Soviet Artillery Utilization
Abstract
As Soviet perceptions of future war have changed over time, so have their operational concepts and force structure. With the realization of the possibility (indeed the increasing probability) of a conventional phase to any future war, the Soviets have conducted an exhaustive study of their own and others military historical experience to determine solutions to the problems such a battlefield might present. A major aspect of this analysis was the realization that artillery will have to accomplish many of the missions previously allocated to nuclear weapons, particularly during the initial period of war. As a result, significant emphasis has been placed on developing the artillery force structure and concepts of employment in the last decade. This is apparent from the increased deployment of artillery systems in general and self- propelled systems in particular as well as the substantial attention artillery tactics receives in the Soviet military press. The allocation of gun tubes in the Motorized Rifle Divisions has increased from 168 to 228. The Army Artillery Regiments have likewise grown from 54 to 96 tubes. Development of new systems like the M1975 240 mm mortar and 120 mm airborne howitzer-mortar also point to continued interest in new designs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA216371
Entities
People
- James F. Holcomb Jr.