Increasing artillery range redefines modern battlefield dynamics
Western barrel artillery currently has a range of about 30-40 km (19-25 miles). Thanks to special shells, it can shoot a bit further; however, the latest work by weapons designers will allow artillery shells to destroy targets at distances of 100 km (62 miles) or more. We are witnessing an artillery revolution, and the "god of war" is becoming increasingly influential.
Centuries ago, artillery was called the "final argument of kings" (ultima ratio regum). This inscription – sometimes slightly modified – once adorned the cannons of the kings of France and Prussia. Although the role of artillery on the battlefield was smaller back then, its impact has grown significantly over the centuries.
Today, for good reason, artillery is called the "god of war." The fighting in Ukraine shows that artillery fire accounts – depending on the source – for 60-80 percent of losses in personnel and equipment. It is artillery that decides the fate of battles and campaigns.
The confrontation between Western and Russian artillery also shows that the West – despite only slightly larger calibres of its most widespread howitzers (155 mm versus 152 mm in Russian equipment) – has developed and implemented weapons that shoot significantly farther than their Russian counterparts.
Range of combat-used artillery
The most commonly used Russian 152 mm howitzers, like the 2S3 Akatsiya, have a firing range of 19-20 km (12-13 miles). The 2S5 Giatsint turretless artillery system fires at about 28 km (17 miles), and the 2S19 Msta at 24-29 km (15-18 miles). Systems with a range comparable to Western artillery, such as the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, whose state trials were completed in 2023, are still few in number.
Western 155 mm howitzers with 52-caliber barrels, such as Krab, PzH 2000, AS90, FH77BW Archer, or Caesar, can fire up to about 30 km (19 miles). Using ammunition with a base bleed unit, this range can be increased to around 40 km (25 miles).
This is not an additional propulsion system but a solution that eliminates air turbulence behind the flying shell, thereby increasing its range. In this case, a greater range comes at the cost of a smaller payload and reduced accuracy over long distances.
A small number of special shells with a range of about 60 km (37 miles) have reached Ukraine. These shells are achieved through various methods—the American M549A1 shell has an additional rocket motor, while the Swedish-American M982 Excalibur has retractable aerodynamic surfaces.
The current combat-used record holder is the Italian-German Vulcano 155 GLR. Its aerodynamically optimized shape and smaller shell calibre reduce air resistance, allowing for a range of up to 70-80 km (43-50 miles).
Breakthrough work of Gerald Bull
This is not the peak of modern artillery's capabilities. Although attempts to increase firing range have always been made, the contemporary breakthrough can be attributed to the achievements of Gerald Bull, a Canadian ballistic engineer.
The 1970s GC-45 howitzer he developed allowed firing at a distance of 30-40 km (19-25 miles) (depending on whether regular shells or ammunition with a base bleed unit were used), when the range of artillery at the time was about 10 km (6 miles) less.
Though produced in small quantities (some entered service in Iraq, among other places), the GC–45 set the direction for modern artillery development, increasing the firing range by lengthening the barrel and refining the ammunition.
Record range of modern artillery
Today, key artillery and ammunition system manufacturers continue to pursue this development direction, increasing the length of barrels in experimental howitzers, strengthening their structure, and improving propellant charges to achieve higher gas pressure, translating into higher muzzle velocity and range.
A good example is the tests conducted by Rheinmetall in South Africa, where Assegai V-LAP (Velocity Enhanced Artillery Projectile) extended-range ammunition is being developed, allowing for shooting distances of 80 km (50 miles). The British company BAE Systems achieved an even better result, reporting a range of 100 km (62 miles) for 155 mm ammunition.
The Americans carried out similar work under the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program, but to save costs, the work was halted in early 2024. Tests had recorded a firing range of about 110 km (68 miles).
Reconnaissance as important as firing range
For the increasing artillery range to be meaningful, it is essential to use appropriate reconnaissance means that allow the detection and identification of targets from tens of kilometres away.
While satellite reconnaissance can serve this purpose for static objects, the ability to observe in near real-time is necessary for moving targets. Aviation, artillery radars, or the increasingly used and ever-improving reconnaissance drones can fill this role.
