Suchomimus

The Ukrainian Army's use of Buggies and ATVs to fire anti-tank missiles in the Ukraine War. a little video here on a unique and innovative weapon being used by Ukraine, which I’m sure you have all seen videos off. The missile-mounted battle buggies. Now using all-terrain vehicles like this for combat operations is not very new, in fact, these types of vehicles have been used by various armies and special forces during the war in Afghanistan. The ATV is popular with Special Forces units because it has lightweight and small size allowing easy deployment and transport by military aircraft or helicopter. They are also fast and mobile, able to take soldiers long distances quicker than they’d travel by foot. For the governments and the penpushers—they are also pretty cheap to buy. In the Ukraine War, the Ukrainian army is using a number of different ATV buggies. The Geon Strike 1000, the CFMoto Tracker, the Polaris Ranger and the VOLS Petliyra Ukraine has innovatively modified these vehicles to carry anti-tank missile launchers. So, the Polaris Ranger has been seen mounted with the RK-3 Corsar and the Stugna-P … or Skif as it’s also known. The Tracker with the Skif, the Strike 1000 with the Skif and the Petliyura with the RK-3 So, let’s look at the missile systems used. The Skif is a Ukrainian-made anti-tank guided missile designed to destroy modern armored vehicles or tanks protected by heavy armor, including Explosive Reactive Armor. The Skif weapon system consists of a tripod, missile container, PDU-215 remote control panel, guidance device, and thermal imager. The PDU-215 control panel is a briefcase-like laptop computer with a control panel, holding a small joystick and a flat-panel display, which is connected to the firing unit by a cable, allowing it to be used at distances up to 50 meters away. The Skif missile can be fitted with two types of warhead including the RK-2S which is able to destroy main battle tanks such as the Russian T-90A with penetration of 800 mm behind ERA and the RK-2M-K warheads might be able to destroy heavy main battle tanks with a penetrating capacity of 1100 mm behind ERA. The Skif missile range also includes high explosive (HE) fragmentation RK-2OF and RK-2М-OF warheads to attack infantry positions and light armored vehicles. The Corsar is another Ukrainian-built system. It uses a tripod mount and users laser-beam riding as its guidance system. It can carry two types of warhead=--the RK3K HEAT warhead with 550mm penetration behind ERA and RK-3OF high explosive fragmentation with 50mm penetration. So, it doesn’t pack the punch that Stugna-P does. But the RK-3K warhead can still piece the front armor of tanks such as the T-72A. So, why use buggies? The Skif especially is a heavy weapon—weighing 214 lb with the full system plus missile weighing 229lb. So, mounting it on a buggy allows for greater mobility—allowing the firing team to lug a heavy weapon faster and greater distances without exhausting themselves. The buggies are the perfect hit and run weapon. While they may lack the offroad capabilities of a tank, they can easily be extracted from mud or other difficulties. They are also very quiet—their engine can be further silenced by added makeshift mufflers to the exhaust tips. Using the ATV with an anti-tank guided missile weapon system, the Ukrainian soldiers can quickly engage a target on the battlefield and then quickly move to another position without the possibility of being spotted by the enemy. On the downside, they offer very little protection for the crew and don’t carry any countermeasures such as smoke bombs. If spotted—the crew will have to rely on the vehicles speed and mobility to escape. Artillery shells or mortar rounds will be especially dangerous to the crew operating one of these.

America has sent M142 HIMARS to Ukraine. Himars vs Smerch. HIMARS vs Uragan. A little update on equipment being sent to Ukraine. Great news. HIMARS is coming! I’ve been eagerly awaiting HIMARs appearing for weeks because it is the best rocket system in the world. The US is sending four in the first stage—it will take three weeks to train Ukrainians how to operate it. They will then be assessed and more sent at a later date. HIMARs is great—it is technologically decades ahead of the Russian counteraprts—the Uragan and Smerch. The two images here show that they use optical sights—and the Uragan needs to adjust elevation by turning wheels. Even the outriggers need to be lowered and emplaced by hand. Then there’s the reload time. For HIMARs it is just five minutes. For Uragann—20 minutes. Smerch—it takes a team of five people 40 minutes to reload. Reloading is done via trucks bringing ammo to resupply. The HIMARs exhcnages their pods quickly because of built in cranes. This means that Russian systems can fire one volley per hour at the most. The HIMARs can stop, set up and fire in just one minute. So it can fire 5 to 6 volleys an hour. Why is this a bad thing? Because it takes over 10 minutes to prepare a launch site and sight the launchers. It also means tthat when firing dumb rockets, the accuracy is poor. In the case of the Smerch, the CEP is 170 meters—so 50 percent of rockets will hit a 170 meter radius of the target. US Systems—a CEP of just five meters. Why? Because HIMARS uses a secret tool called the keyboard to aim. The missiles fired by HIMARS are GPS guided, aimed using the universal fire control system So, now let’s look at the munitions in use. So, originally, HIMARs and the MLRS system used by the US could operate a wide variety of rockets and projectiles. Some, like the M26 are being withdrawn from service—the M26 was unguided, cluster munitions. The US and NATO don’t have any M26 in their active stockpiles, though may still have some in storage. The M30 features M101 cluster ammunition and the M30A1 carries 160,000 tungsten balls. It is like a giant rocket launched shotgun blast. The standard M30s are being replaced by the M30A1. The M31 and M31A1 are variants of the M30 with high explosive warheads. Now the US has said it isn’t going to supply the longer range ATACMS missiles. Which would have the range and capacity to strike pretty far within Russia. So—Ukraine’s supply will be the M30A1, the M31 and the M31A1 missiles. So, let’s talk range—officially, HIMARs systems that Ukraine will be sent have a range of approximately 70km. However, I have heard they actually have a range further than that that is undisclosed. So, the HIMARs is basically a game changer. Depending where it is positioned in country, it covers a wide track of land. Let’s look at an operational situation. Use a drone to spot a Russian position—let’s say, tanks being refueled. HIMARS can be ready to launch in just a minute. Fire at it with pinpoint accuracy and wipe it out. Reload in five minutes ready to hit the next target spotted by the drone—say, a command post. Bang! Gone. But what about counterfire? There is little risk. These fire and move quickly. As soon as Russia has calibrated its own Smerch and Uragan’s, the HIMARs can be long gone to a different point, ready to fire again. These are game changers. They cover a lot of range, carry a lot of firepower and can strike fast and hard with pinpoint accuracy. A squad of HIMARS system moving around can cover an entire frontline. However—Ukraine needs more than four for this to be effective. Four means they will need to be used more strategically and Ukraine will need to decide where to deploy them for best use. But hopefully more get sent. I hope you enjoyed this video. If you did, please like and subscribe. Thanks very much.

Bulgaria has sent 14 Su-25 Frogfoots to the Ukrainian Air Force. The Su-25 is a russian military aircraft. A little video about aid sent to Ukraine. So, these were somewhat announced a week or so ago. There was word that an unspecified Eastern European nation was supplying Su-25s to Ukraine, but no word which one. Rumor was it was going to be the ones Czech Republic has in storage. It turns out, they are from Bulgaria, which is sending 14 Su-25s to Ukraine. They are officially delivering them to the US for political reasons and they will then be passed on to Ukraine. Now, I love the Su-25. I think it’s a brilliant aircraft. Well built and very durable—there was video from earlier in the war of one that was shot to pieces yet still had managed to land. A Russian was photographed surviving a MANPAD hit and returning to base. These are tough. It also carries quite a lot of firepower. It’s basically the Russian equivalent of the A-10. The Su-25 is faster, so can reach the frontline quicker and is more maneuverable. But the A-10 can carry twice the payload and has more range and fly time. Both are great aircraft though. But, this video is about the Su-25s sent by Bulgaria, so back to that. It was introduced in 1981 and has proven itself in a number of wars and conflicts, from the Soviet-Afghan War to the current war in Ukraine. Time and time again it has proven its worth as a close-air support aircraft. It was, and is still operated by, a number of countries—including Ukraine. It’s one of the aircraft we have seen in use the most over Ukraine—on both sides. There’s plenty of video footage of Su-25s in action because they tend to fly very, very low as a way to avoid MANPADS and SAMs. Ukraine, at the start of the war, had approximately 19 in service. Though some in storage may have been brought back to use. It has a crew of one and is powered by a pair of turbojet engines—one either side of the fuselage, giving the Su-25 its distinct appearance. It is subsonic, with a max speed of 975 kilometers and hour and it has a combat range of 750km. It has a ceiling of 7,000 meters, but we typically see these operating at a very low altitude—sometimes just above tree top level. Firepower—the Su-25 also has a 30mmautocannon of its own with 250 rounds. Additionally, it has gun pods for 2 23mm autocannons, adding to its fire power. It also has 11 hardpoints allowing it to carry 9,700 lbs of weapons. It can be outfitted with a mix of kit depending on the mission including rockets, missiles and bombs. This a really good aircraft. Ukraine has put its Su-25s to good use so far in the war. 14 new ones will be extremely needed. As mentioned, Ukraine had approximately 19 in service at the start of the war and has lost some. Oryx has visually confirmed 8 Su-25s as being destroyed or damaged beyond repair. So, extra units were urgently needed.

Ukraine secured kharkiv and liberated Davydiv Brid. Russia captured Popasna and Lyman. So, here was the situation on May 1st, with Russia occupying large parts of the east and the south. The red is occupied territory, the pink is Russian forward operations areas, so Russia doesn’t fully occupy it, but they are in the region in large numbers. We will have a closer look here, at the north and east. And now, to the South, as these two areas have seen a bit of a change this month. Now we will look at the overall map of the 31st. As we can see, there have been some changes. Looking closer to the east and north. First of all, Ukraine has made some important gains around Kharkiv, pushing the Russian forces further back and further securing this major city. Many sources are reporting the Battle of Kharkiv as being over and as a victory for Ukraine. And their northern counteroffensive is slowly further securing the city. To the East, Russia has made gains. Popasna was the major gain for Russia after over a month’s of fighting. This is a key strategic town, and has allowed Russia to establish more dominance over the region. Russia also captured Lyman, with Ukrainian forces pulling back over the Siverskyi Donets river. To the South, Ukraine has made some gains. Capturing a few small villages in a counteroffensive, including the strategic town of Davydiv Brid. The Russian offensives from May 1st have been halted and Ukraine is pushing back. Notably, Snihurivka is a focus for Ukrainian offenses, a kay town which will bring them closer to Kherson.

Comparing the self-propelled artillery of Russia to that given to Ukraine by NATO nations by rate of fire and range. Hello, a short video here where I thought I would compare the self-propelled guns by Ukraine and Russia. I won’t go into too much details about each weapon, I thought I would keep this short and to the point. So, I have prepared two tables. The first here, shows rate of fire between all the PSG in use in Ukraine. Russia is operating the 2S35, the 2S19, the 2s5, 2s1, 2s3 and the 2s7m. Now, most of those are also operated by Ukraine. But Ukraine has received a number of donations from NATO countries---the Panzerhaubitze, Caesar, Zuzana 2, the Krab, the M109 and the DANA. So, the 2S35 from Russia is top. With a claimed firing rate of 16 RPM—very impressive. Ukraine’s best is the PZH 2000 from Germany with 10 RPM. The 2S19 M2 is available in greater numbers to Russia and has a rate of fire of 10 RPM. The average is 6 RPM—met by the Krab and Zuzana 2, with the 2S19 and the Caesar managing between 6 to 8 RPM. At the lower end, the massive 2S7M manages just 2.5 rounds per minute. However, there are just 12 2S35s in service and no word that they are actually in Ukraine yet or that they are going to be deployed. But I have included it just in case. Even if only a few are sent, it seems only fair to add it since vehicles like the Zuzana 2—also low in number—are included. Also, side note—the figures for the 2S35 do come from Russia and haven’t been verified by outside sources. Now, to look at range. I have gone for max range regardless of ammo, as the data for some weapons was only available for the best available. The 2S35 has an impressive max range of 80 KM with precision guided rounds. The PZH 2000, with rocket assisted rounds, has an impressive range of 67 km. The massive 2S7M can launch its massive shells a max distance of 47.5 km The CAESAR has a range with rocket-assisted rounds of 42 KM and the Zuzana-2, a little less at 41. The Krab, 2S5 and M109 have comparable max ranges of 40 km depending on the ammo used. Russia’s 2S19 has a range of 28.9 km. The 2S3—with rocket assisted rounds can hti 24 km The 2S1—has a range of just 21.9 km DANA-- an early predecessor of the impressive Zuzana 2 has a max range of 20km. So, when it comes to range, again they are pretty comparable. The 2S35 can hit a long way, but again there is no word that it is actually in Ukraine. The PZH 2000 has a very long max range, but is only available in small numbers—same as the CAESAR and the Zuzana. The 2S7M has an impressive range, but as seen earlier, is let down by its rate of fire. However—you can’t really just artillery by numbers alone. There’s the accuracy of the system which isn’t included here and, for many systems, data isn’t available. But the Zuzana 2, for example, is said to be highly accurate. There is also factors such as ease of use, reloading time, crew needed, reliability of the system etc which all comes into play. And of course—most importantly, the skill of the operator. So looking at the range and rate of fire doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. But I thought it would be interesting to see how things stack up Then, the numbers available. Unfortunately, the kit supplied in NATO is relatively low in numbers compared to those operated by Russia. Ukraine also uses many of the Russian guns and in large numbers. So the artillery battles aren’t just NATO equipment vs Russian. In the end—artillery is going to play an important role in the war. Indeed, it has played an important role in the war. While the equipment is important, the skill of the operators is, in my opinion, the key thing.

Ukraine captured Mykolayivka and Davydiv Brid. Davydiv Brid is a strategic town. A little video on Ukraine’s counteroffensive near Kherson. In the last couple of days, Ukrainian forces have made some small but important gains. Ukraine reports forcing Russian forces from Mykolayivka and also capturing the strategic town of Davydiv Brid. Ukraine reports that the Russian forces don’t have reservers to deploy and that they have lost the ability to securely resupply the Inhulets River battlefront by road. As you can see here, it’s a small town, but is a type of crossroads. Situated along the Inhulets River, it has roads leading North east, north, west and two roads to the south. This puts more pressure on northern villages currently occupied by Russia. Such as Velyka Okelsandrivka and Vysokopillya. With roads leading a variety of directions—it could also be used as a jumping off point for future Ukrainian offensives, similar to how the Russian’s used Popasna—another settlement with a number of key roads leading to various areas of conflict. Additionally, heading more to the South West, losing Davydiv Brid and forcing the Russian forces to Bruskyn’ske, it puts pressure on Bilohirka, Kozove and Andriivka who could find themselves under pressure from two sides with only one route for retreat. It’s a small but interesting development.

Slovakia send eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled guns to Ukraine. A short update on even more weapon systems being sent to Ukraine. This time, from Slovakia, who has confirmed they are going to send eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery guns. These will join Ukraine’s growing arsenal alongside the Krab, Dana, CAESAR and more. These were rumored a couple of weeks ago, but today they are officially confirmed. So, the Zuzana is an evolution of the Czech Dana’s—which we have seen sent to Ukraine and in action already. It has a 155mm gun as opposed to the Dana’s 152 mm, allowing it to use NATO standard rounds. It’s a wheeled self-propelled gun. So, let’s look at the numbers. It has a minimum range of 5.6 km and a max range of 39.6 km—so it holds its own against other systems that Ukraine has been sent. It’s rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute—so not as good as the PZH 2000–10 rounds a minute. But the same as the Caesar and Krab. It can also fire in a salvo mode—firing 2 to 4 shells one after the other hitting the target at the same time or in a short interval The gun is said to be very accurate. So, let’s look at the gun itself. It has thermal weapons sight and night vision, providing an enhanced field of view. It also has a fitted sight which offers increased direct fire accuracy if needs be. The gun itself is mounted between two seperated compartments of the turret—isolating the crew from gun and autoloader mechanisms and protecting them from gasses generated during firing. So, the right-hand turret contains a conveyor for 36 shells. The left has a conveyor for 30 charges. The Zuzana 2 is highly automated. It’s designed for rapid deployment, able to set up and fire very quickly. Where the Zuzana 2 shines is that it can be operated by a crew of three to four. The CAESAR uses a crew of 5-6, but can be operated by three in emergencies. The PZH 2000 also has a crew of five. This Zuzana 2 is considered to be one of the best and most modern artillery pieces in the world. It’s very new—Slovakia having 25 vehicles delivered in 2021 and 2022. The first eight arrived in 2021—and it’s very possible that these could be the eight being sent. So the fact that Slovakia is still receiving these, and yet were able to send 8 to Ukraine is very impressive. So, that’s the Zuzana 2—a very good and very modern weapon. I may soon do a quick comparison of the artillery Ukraine has been sent and the Russian counterparts to see how they compare.

Slovakia send eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled guns to Ukraine. A short update on even more weapon systems being sent to Ukraine. This time, from Slovakia, who has confirmed they are going to send eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery guns. These will join Ukraine’s growing arsenal alongside the Krab, Dana, CAESAR and more. These were rumored a couple of weeks ago, but today they are officially confirmed. So, the Zuzana is an evolution of the Czech Dana’s—which we have seen sent to Ukraine and in action already. It has a 155mm gun as opposed to the Dana’s 152 mm, allowing it to use NATO standard rounds. It’s a wheeled self-propelled gun. So, let’s look at the numbers. It has a minimum range of 5.6 km and a max range of 39.6 km—so it holds its own against other systems that Ukraine has been sent. It’s rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute—so not as good as the PZH 2000–10 rounds a minute. But the same as the Caesar and Krab. It can also fire in a salvo mode—firing 2 to 4 shells one after the other hitting the target at the same time or in a short interval The gun is said to be very accurate. So, let’s look at the gun itself. It has thermal weapons sight and night vision, providing an enhanced field of view. It also has a fitted sight which offers increased direct fire accuracy if needs be. The gun itself is mounted between two seperated compartments of the turret—isolating the crew from gun and autoloader mechanisms and protecting them from gasses generated during firing. So, the right-hand turret contains a conveyor for 36 shells. The left has a conveyor for 30 charges. The Zuzana 2 is highly automated. It’s designed for rapid deployment, able to set up and fire very quickly. Where the Zuzana 2 shines is that it can be operated by a crew of three to four. The CAESAR uses a crew of 5-6, but can be operated by three in emergencies. The PZH 2000 also has a crew of five. This Zuzana 2 is considered to be one of the best and most modern artillery pieces in the world. It’s very new—Slovakia having 25 vehicles delivered in 2021 and 2022. The first eight arrived in 2021—and it’s very possible that these could be the eight being sent. So the fact that Slovakia is still receiving these, and yet were able to send 8 to Ukraine is very impressive. So, that’s the Zuzana 2—a very good and very modern weapon. I may soon do a quick comparison of the artillery Ukraine has been sent and the Russian counterparts to see how they compare.

Poland sends AHS Krab Self-Propelled Gun to Ukraine A little video on more equipment being sent to Ukraine. So, today Ukraine has confirmed that it has received three batteries of the Krab self-propelled gun---18 units in total. In addition, Polish media says 100 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained to use it. So, Krab is a Polish self-propelled artillery gun. It’s name, Krab, is Polish for Krab. As is standard in NATO, it uses 155mm rounds. It is a sort of mash up between vehicles. It takes the South Korean K9 Thunder chassis with a British AS-90 turret. The Krab has an effective firing range of 30km and a max firing range of 40 km. It is able to fire 6 rounds per minute. So, it is a good piece of kit. Poland doesn’t have a massive amount—80 delivered out of 122 ordered, so the fact they are donating 18 to Ukraine is impressive. The Krab adds to the growing arsenal that Ukraine has available. We’re seeing such a wide variety of vehicles sent to Ukraine. I didn’t even know the Krab was proposed until now, so it came as a surprise.

Looking at Russian SAM Sites on Snake Island. A little video update about naval movement around Snake Island. First of all though, we will look at this satellite image from 24th May, showing a total of 10 vehicles on the island. These vehicles are identified, but they are more likely SAM systems and vehicles to support SAM systems such as loaders and ammo trucks. The latest satellite footage comes from the 28th. Once again, we can the flaoting crane – Project 02690 floating crane, number SPK 54150. This has been an ever present sight around Snake Island for a while. Used to resupply the island from the Sev-er-led Bobrov transport ship and it was also used to recover a destroyed Sern-class ship. We also have another familiar face—a Serna-class landing craft. Interestingly, the military presence on the island has increased. 15 vehicles are in various positions around the island. Zooming in slightly, we see quite a bit to discuss. So, first of all, the central complex is anabsolutel wreck. It is largely a ruin—the red building is still standing but with visible damage to the roof. Now, the vehicles itself. It appears to me, after zooming in, that 10, 13,, 14 and 15 appear to be dug in. You can see what looks to be raised ground along the sides of them. So I think it is safe to say that these are SAM launchers. 11 and 12, seem to be on a road and not dug in. These look to be either utility vehicles used for quick travel around the island or possibly trucks and vehicles used for resupplying the various SAM systems. Zooming in on the northern part, we can see the rest of the vehicles. Number 9 also looks to be dug in, so I believe it to be a SAM system of some sort. Number 8 –I can’t tell. It could be a SAM covering the dock or some sort of utility vehicle. 6 and 7 don’t appear to me to be duf in and look fairly large. Could these be loaders for the missile systems? It’s likely. They are parked up near a small cluster of buildings—buildings that seem undamaged, so I expect these are been used as the main Russian base on the island now. 5 – Looks like it has been freshly unloaded from either the barge or landing craft. 4 – This appears to me to be some sort of trucks or utility behicle. Likely used for fast travel around the island. 1, 2 and 3 are tricky ones. While they do look like they might be dug into positions, it also seems foolish to have SAMs grouped up in one place like this, so closely together. So I think these are likely some sort of utility vehicles. It could be that one is a SAM and the other two vehicles are there resupplying it? Now, flicking back to the older image for a moment—the positions of some of the vehicles are the same. Further supporting the theory that they are SAMS. Vehicle 1, for example is in the same place as vehicle 14 on the newer map—so I think we can definitely say it is a SAM. The same can be true for—on the old map--- vehicle 2 or 10, vehicle 3, the number 4 in the centrall—two vehicle 4s on the map for some reason—and vehicle 6 are all in the same position. So, I am confident that we can say that is Snake Island’s SAM coverage. Five confirmed SAM systems in static place. The other vehicles—some could be other SAMs. Some could be various utility vehicles. Some could be loaders.

Which harpoon missile variant has Denmark sent to Ukraine and what's it's range? A little video here since there is talk that Ukraine has received its first Harpoon missiles from Denmark. Denmark is I think the onlky country to have operated a ground-launched Harpoon, from the 1990s to 2003. A ground-launched variant, or a naval variant that can be adapted to ground launchers is what Ukraine needs since Ukrainian doesn’t have any sea-based platforms or air platforms that can launch Harpoon. So, the big question on everyone’s mind—which variant has Ukraine received? Well, Denmark fired their harpoons from a a truck mounted platform. This platform was configured to fire first-generation Block 1 RGM-84A Harpoons. This had a range of 139km. So, unfortunately it isn’t the longer ranged one. But, 139KM is still quite good to target a signifcant portion of the Black Sea—as seen here. We don’t know how many launchers Denmark is sending. But it’s possible a number of batteries could be situated along the coast. It helps that they are mobile platforms, so can move to different places as and when needed. Now, this image shows areas of key Russian Naval activty. Danish harpoons based in Odesa and along the western coast, do have the potential to strike key areas of operations. Harpoons in Odesa itself won’t reach Snake Island, but, as I said, its a mobile platform. They can be moved along the coast, bringing Snake Island in range. They would also cover the green, northernmost area of Russia activty and, possibly—depending on postion—the area of heavy activty in the center. However, the Block 1 harpoons won’t reach the Crimean Coast. It is possible of course that longer range Harpoons may be sent, but that depends on them being compatible with the Danish launchers.