Russian artillery crisis prompts 'Frankenstein' innovations
The Russians involved in the Ukraine conflict are facing increasing artillery equipment shortages. This is particularly notable with towed guns and certain self-propelled ones, the declining supplies compelling the invaders to resort to unconventional constructions.
Experts and observers of the war in Ukraine frequently point out that artillery has been the main driving force of the Russian offensive since the outset of the conflict. In recent months, Putin's army has begun to experience issues with ammunition (partly due to Ukrainian attacks on large depots located within Russian territory), as well as shortages of some of its self-propelled artillery systems.
Russians are feeling shortages of towed artillery
Defence Express, a portal specialising in military matters, reported that a similar situation is occurring with some towed artillery.
The report "The Military Balance 2024" is cited, indicating that at the beginning of last year, the Russian army had 550 Hyacinth-B towed howitzers and 250 Msta-B towed howitzers. This marks a significant decrease compared to 2022, when the Russian army possessed 1,100 Hyacinth-B pieces and 750 Msta-B units.
Hyacinth-B and Msta-B are guns that utilise 152 mm calibre shells, standard for post-Soviet artillery weapons. These systems were developed in the early 1970s and 1990s, respectively. They can hit targets approximately 26 kilometres away using basic shells, but with rocket-assisted shells, the range increases to about 35 kilometres.
Shortages are forcing Russians to improvise
The increasing difficulties the Russians face are prompting them to adopt unconventional ideas that most likely would not have been realised were it not for the ongoing war and related losses. These involve 'Frankenstein' constructions.
Defence Express recalls that in December 2024, photos emerged online showing a Hyacinth-B gun mounted on a chassis used in the self-propelled Malva artillery originally designed for Msta-S or possibly Msta-B guns. It remains unclear whether the Russians intend to produce only a few of these constructions or if it will be a concept realised on a larger scale.
