Ukrainian brigade takes out five Russian Howitzers in a single day
A video has surfaced showing the efforts of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army. In just one day, they managed to eliminate five Russian D-30 howitzers. What is this weapon?
The D-30 howitzer (also known as 2A18) was developed in the USSR in the 1950s and entered service in 1960. Initially used in the USSR, it gradually spread to other Asian, Eastern European, and African countries. The weapon's enduring success is evident, as it remains in production today and is utilized by both sides in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians eliminate Russian D-30 howitzers
In the video posted on social media, soldiers from the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army can be seen attacking Russian positions with the help of drones.
This tactic is commonly used during the conflict in Ukraine. Unmanned aerial vehicles strike armoured vehicles and are particularly effective against unarmored weapons, such as the relatively small, towed D-30 howitzer. It weighs just over 3 tonnes (approximately 3,000 kilograms). A truck typically tows the howitzer, transporting ammunition and the complete crew.
In addition to its simple design, the D-30 howitzer has other advantages. It can be air-dropped using special parachute platforms and has been adapted to fire various types of 122 mm calibre ammunition. This is especially important in a prolonged conflict, such as the one currently occurring in Ukraine. The range of the howitzer depends on the type of ammunition used, including high-explosive and fragmentation-high-explosive shells.
The D-30 howitzer can strike targets up to 15 kilometres (9 miles) away with standard ammunition. Using rocket-assisted projectiles significantly increases the range, reaching up to 21 kilometres (13 miles). At short distances (up to about 850 meters), the D-30 howitzer can also be used as an anti-tank gun. Preparing the howitzer for firing takes about 2 minutes, and a crew of seven is required to operate it.
