Defence Solutions For Artillery Batteries

WMD

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what abt range extension to 100-200kms with the help of more sophisticated projectiles and FCS? just like the AGS in zumwalt class DDGs.
that way the job can be done at a cheaper cost (than MBRLs) with the artillery out of threat envelope.

anyway, every army got their own requirement and doctrine. they use various types of howitzers, towed or SP, according to that doctrine.
I only wish IA to order more than measly 100 tracked howitzers and induct fast. I think that tracked system can traverse rougher terrain better than wheeled, although wheeled system(such as G6 howitzer) can also be protected as tracked.
 

arnabmit

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My 2 paise...

With the Tri-service idea about to be implemented, very soon we might not have dedicated function based units any more, like arty units. Instead we might see hybrid units like area-denial units with the following units accompanying each arty squad.

1) Tracked CIWS accompanying each arty squad. The following Rheinmetall gun and radar can be mounted on tracked FICV hull



2) SR/MR SAM accompanying each arty squad as counter SEAD/DEAD

3) Solar powered HALE for theater observation and detection

4) CAS craft with jamming pods and anti-radiation missiles

5) Network centricity

Anyway, I do not think that we need hi-tech costly arty rounds doing CM type maneuvers. Arty with the longest range wins. Idea is to hit a target far enough where the target cannot hit you back due to range limitations.

These days the trend is towards lighter and more airmobile artillery (such as the French Caesar 155mm/52cal. SP gun), and away from the traditional heavy SP guns. That, of course, means lighter armor or no armor, making them nearly as vulnerable as towed artillery. The primary defense for artillery batteries has always been 'shoot and scoot'; remain undetected, fire a quick barrage, then change location before enemy counterbattery fire can destroy you.

The problem is that the threat to artillery batteries is evolving quickly. The reaction time for counter-battery fire is reduced. Counterbattery RADARs can see rising shells and calculate the origin point and pass targeting info to the counter-battery fire unit before the first shells even impact. Also, with the advent of drones and other technological advances in recon and surveillance technology, artillery units are much more likely to be discovered and attacked while in transit or setting up. And enemy airpower is always going to go after artillery batteries as targets of opportunity if it happens across them. In addition, smart weapons used for counterbattery fire (like, say, NLOS) can find and destroy mobile artillery in transit after it has left its recent firing position. And with the increased use of specops teams, artillery units could be a juicy soft target for enemy raiders. The threat to artillery batteries is definitely increasing.

This is obviously going to force a change in defensive tactics and equipment. The possibilities I see are:

- Low observables. The enemy has to find your artillery batteries to destroy them. If mobile artillery can be invisible until they shoot, that would greatly increase their chances of survival on a conventional battlefield. Low IR and RADAR signatures, camouflage, and even lower noise emissions will be required. This can be done both in SP gun vehicle design and improved camo netting. Also, frequency-hopping comms make RDF efforts more difficult.

- Air defense. I think all artillery batteries have at least some organic air defense assigned to them, even if it is just shoulder-fired SAMs. But with drones, stealthy attack aircraft and helos and smart missiles with loiter capability appearing on the battlefield, much more robust air defenses will be a must.

- Counter-counterbattery defense. Since Iron Dome has appeared, the ability to shoot down incoming enemy shells has become a reality. As this technology inevitably becomes cheaper, smaller and lighter, it will likely become an integrated part of the defenses of artillery units.

- Counter-surveillance. The enemy locates batteries using counterbattery RADARs. Giving artillery units an organic capability to jam enemy counterbattery RADAR would be quite useful. Also, since artillery units already operate drones to spot targets, it may be possible to arm some of those drones with anti-radiation missiles to attack enemy defensive and/or counterbattery RADARs the moment they begin emitting. They could even carry jamming pods to jam counterbattery RADARs and comms.

- Increased mobility. The trend towards lighter, cheaper truck-based SP artillery has the unfortunate effect of decreasing the mobility of SP artillery, especially in very heavy terrain. Where there a only a few roads through extreme terrain, wheeled artillery will be far easier for the enemy to find. This also obviously limits where SP artillery can be deployed. The enemy can also cut the few critical roads fairly easily, especially if there are a lot of vital bridges on those roads. Units that can traverse rougher terrain faster will have increased survivability and areas of operation. This does not automatically mean switching back to conventional heavy tracked SP guns. I suspect that other unconventional, cheaper and lighter solutions will appear.

- More sophisticated projectiles. We already have smart projectiles for artillery, but their capabilities are aimed at precision targeting. Imagine if you could fire shells off at an angle away from the target in a position masked by high terrain between you and enemy. The shell immediately changes course to head towards the target, which gives a curved trajectory that, once the shell appears on enemy counterbattery RADAR cannot be ballistically tracked back to the point of origin. And there is no reason we cannot eventually have low observables projectiles with a sabot to protect their anti-RADAR coating from barrel rifling. This kind of technology could make 'shoot and scoot' unnecessary in at least some cases.

- Increased security. Because of the threat of enemy specops teams, I expect to see more organic ground security in the org table of artillery units going forward. Some commandos with just light ATGMs and mortars would wreak havoc on an artillery emplacement. Even a civilian spy with a cellphone sneaking through the woods is a deadly threat. Countering that requires a strong defense perimeter, good local surveillance and aggressive patrolling. That means more resources and troops. Small security drones, terrain sensors and smart mines beingdeployed around the artillery emplacement,and even armed robot sentries may start being a standard part of an artillery unit.


I find the idea of future defensive measures for artillery to be fascinating. In our recent wars, artillerymen have mostly had the luxury of operating in relatively secure areas with little fear of being attacked, except by the occasional not-too-accurate rocket or mortar round. That may well not be the case next time. These are just some ideas I threw out to stimulate discussion of that. I will be interested to hear what experienced 'cannon cockers' have to say, along with everybody else who wishes to comment.

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This is not my works but another member Ought Six at Mp.net, Its a very interesting though out observation i had similar but lost in time track :) , Though I wish to know what our DFI members think about this ..
@Ray sir, @W.G.Ewald, @ersakthivel, @arnabmit , @Keshav Murali, @AVERAGE INDIAN, @Patriot, @SilentKiller , @cobra commando , @pmaitra , @WMD , @Neil, @civfanatic , @ladder, @asianobserve, @bengalraider, @captonjohn , @Damian, @militarysta

And all others, This is a very interesting subject.. @shuvo@y2k10, @sayareakd Sir.. , @DivineHeretic
 
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sayareakd

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My 2 paise...

With the Tri-service idea about to be implemented, very soon we might not have dedicated function based units any more, like arty units. Instead we might see hybrid units like area-denial units with the following units accompanying each arty squad.

1) Tracked CIWS accompanying each arty squad. The following Rheinmetall gun and radar can be mounted on tracked FICV hull



2) SR/MR SAM accompanying each arty squad as counter SEAD/DEAD

3) Solar powered HALE for theater observation and detection

4) CAS craft with jamming pods and anti-radiation missiles

Anyway, I do not think that we need hi-tech costly arty rounds doing CM type maneuvers. Arty with the longest range wins. Idea is to hit a target far enough where the target cannot hit you back due to range limitations.
have you checked this




But Rheinmetall technology is by no means limited to static defence roles. Mobile applications are equally feasible. For example, the 35mm gun can be mounted on an antiaircraft tank, and thus be used to protect troops on the move from aerial threats. However, particularly when it comes to protecting supply routes, lighter, more mobile platforms can be a better bet. Rheinmetall has bridged the gap between static defence and armoured platforms by mounting a Skyshield gun on an all-terrain 8x8 vehicle made by its Indian partner Tata. The result is a swiftly available high-performance air defence solution
Rheinmetall air defence systems: reliably countering the threat from above
 

AVERAGE INDIAN

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WHAT WE NEED , CONSIDERING PRESENT DAY TECHNILOGY

The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) is the Fire Support Command and Control system which is used by US army.

AFATDS prioritizes targets received from various sensors and performs attack analysis using situational data combined with commander's guidance. The result is timely, accurate and coordinated fire support options to engage targets using Army, Marine, Navy and Air Force weapon systems. The system provides complete flexibility to manage attacks on preplanned and time-sensitive targets.

AFATDS supports weapon systems such as mortars, field artillery cannons, rockets, close air support, attack helicopters, and Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) systems.

AFATDS also acts as a fire support "server" to LAN-based and Tactical Internet-based clients, including the AFATDS Effects Management Tool (EMT), and the Command and Control Personal Computer EMT.

ARTILLERY BATTERIES SUPPORTED BY IRON DOME

Dual-Mission Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) and
Very Short Range Air Defense (V-SHORAD) System

Iron Dome is the only dual mission counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) and Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) system. Iron Dome is an affordable, effective and innovative defense solution (CR&AM Class) to the asymmetric threats of short-range rockets, (up to and over 70 km), and mortars as well as VSHORAD Missiles System (up to 10 km) against traditional Air Defense targets.
The Iron Dome system has been selected by the Israeli Defense Ministry to provide the lowest layer of Israel Multi-Layered Air & Missiles Defense umbrella. The system was chosen as the best system, offering the most comprehensive defense solution from a range of threats, in relatively short development cycle and low cost-per-kill.
The Iron Dome system is already operational by the Israeli Air Force.
In April 2011 Iron Dome became battle-proven after it successfully intercepted several Grad Rockets that were fired from the Gaza Strip at Southern Israel. It has since then intercepted over 150 rockets that were fired from the Gaza Strip at protected areas in Israel.
Iron Dome is an advanced defense system, designed for quick detection, discrimination and interception of rockets & mortar threats with ranges of up to and over 70 km and against aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and PGMs. The system is effective in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, dust storms or fog.
The Iron Dome provides robust, yet selective defense. Its ability to discriminate between threats headed towards the defended area and those that will fall into the sea or open fields reduces costs and limits unnecessary interceptor launches. A single launcher can protect against a medium-size city
Iron Dome uses a unique interceptor with a special warhead that detonates the targets in the air within seconds. The system can handle multiple threats simultaneously and efficiently.
The Iron Dome system includes the following components:
· Mobile detection and tracking radar - Multi-Mission Radar (MMR)
· Battle Management & Control Unit
· Sensors
· Mobile Missile Firing Unit (MFU) with 20 "TAMIR" interceptors

The Iron Dome meets the following requirements:
· All weather operation
· Effective and selective handling of salvo threats aimed at the "Defended Zone"
· Threat warhead is detonated on its trajectory
· Threats are destroyed outside the defended area, during their flight
· Ignores targets predicted to fall outside the defended area zone
· Capable of continuous operation day/night and in all weather conditions
· The system can be connected to the high echelon Air Situation Picture
· Enables classification of target threat families
· The Battery with all its components is transportable and moveable
· Interceptors are maintenance free with a life cycle of 15 years.
 
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pmaitra

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India needs to develop much smaller, agile, and light self sufficient units, composed of infantry soldiers and artillery units, that can operate in isolation for 10 to 11 days without any supplies. Such a unit could be as large as a platoon, and should have its infantry soldiers well supported by mortar artillery.
 

pmaitra

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SADARM - Sense And Destroy ARMor

The system was used for the first time during combat during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq,[1][2] with a total of 121 rounds reported fired by the 3rd Infantry Division with 48 vehicle kills attributed to 108 M898 SADARM projectiles.
Read more: Sense and Destroy ARMor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

-OR-

Seek And Destroy ARMor



Animation:

1. Delivery
2. Dispense
3. Decelerate-MMW Alt Measurement
4. Deploy Parachute
5. Activate Sensor Processing
6. Initiate Search & Enable Fire
7. Detection Scan
8. Confirmation Scan-Fire EFP

Read More: EFP Warhead



Source: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/sadarm.htm
 

Ray

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@Kunal.

Thank.

It is a great artcile.

Interesting article and raises good issues of battery vulnerability and ways and means to overcome the same.

It is what would be ideal.

However, it will be an expensive proposition for a country like India (except from the basic countermeasures mentioned) as the defence budget has to be balanced for requirements that are essential for all arms and services.
 
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arnabmit

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I do not exactly remember the figures but do you really think that it is viable to shoot down $2,000 shells with $500,000 Iron Dome interceptors?

Israel can afford it as the entire country is the size of Chattisgarh. Not feasible for India. Maybe longer range David's Sling once it is available, where 1 battery can cover an entire city against moderate fire.

 

arnabmit

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CBU-105 uses the same technology and in a much more effective way. We already have this. Thing is, these are ideally suited for deployment by CAS crafts and we do not have any dedicated CAS platform.

SADARM - Sense And Destroy ARMor



Read more: Sense and Destroy ARMor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

-OR-

Seek And Destroy ARMor



Animation:

1. Delivery
2. Dispense
3. Decelerate-MMW Alt Measurement
4. Deploy Parachute
5. Activate Sensor Processing
6. Initiate Search & Enable Fire
7. Detection Scan
8. Confirmation Scan-Fire EFP

Read More: EFP Warhead



Source: XM898 SADARM (Sense and Destroy Armor)
 

pmaitra

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CBU-105 uses the same technology and in a much more effective way. We already have this. Thing is, these are ideally suited for deployment by CAS crafts and we do not have any dedicated CAS platform.
In a potential conflict with the PLA, IA will probably not use the IAF or IAAW, because then, it will bring in the PLAAF, and the situation will escalate rapidly. We need these munitions, to deny the PLA any advantage by virtue of its overwhelming numbers in armour. If PLA can be forced to fight an infantry war, it will be easy to subdue them.
 

Kunal Biswas

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Sir, It true but i think in future when price of these things comes down so there size may be we will have such force multipliers also the artillery pieces itself may become more complex, Artillery is very important part of any force specially towed artillery, Soon or latter with advance of technology these system will become vulnerable and hence the counter measures..

@Kunal.

However, it will be an expensive proposition for a country like India (except from the basic countermeasures mentioned) as the defence budget has to be balanced for requirements that are essential for all arms and services.
 
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Shirman

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i have a some what better idea.....why not spray Prahaar Tactical battlefield missiles against enemy artillery and offensive MBRL sites and do guys remember IAI Jumper from Defence Expo 2012........ its primary missile targets are quick reaction/ mobile enemy Artillery units stationed right across the border so one just can locate using weapon locating system and silence the offensive force...........may be @Kunal Sir can tell since he saw that system in flesh at the expo.........\

Since remaining on the same topic some syrian military enthusiast were very much worried when they saw pic of a Israeli Mercedes Benz truck carrying 12 units if IAI Jumper somewhere North of Israel :scared2::shocked::eek:
 
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arnabmit

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Are you talking about NLOS-LS type of system?



i have a some what better idea.....why not spray Prahaar Tactical battlefield missiles against enemy artillery and offensive MBRL sites and do guys remember IAI Jumper from Defence Expo 2012........ its primary missile targets are quick reaction/ mobile enemy Artillery units stationed right across the border so one just can locate using weapon locating system and silence the offensive force...........may be @Kunal Sir can tell since he saw that system in flesh at the expo.........\

Since remaining on the same topic some syrian military enthusiast were very much worried when they saw pic of a Israeli Mercedes Benz truck carrying 12 units if IAI Jumper somewhere North of Israel :scared2::shocked::eek:
 
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Kunal Biswas

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Its a good system but has shorter range compare to arty unit, Its effective in ambushes and quick reaction against small range arty systems like mortars or 75mm guns..
 

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