Ukrainian forces suffer equipment losses in Kursk ambush
Ukrainian armed forces have been storming the Russian Kursk region since early August 2024. Amidst the sea of successes by the defending army, unfortunately, there are also failures—one of which is the loss of valuable equipment in an ambush set by the Russians.
David Axe, an analyst associated with Forbes, notes that the Ukrainian armed forces fell into a "cruel ambush" south of the city of Veseloe (in Russia, about a few kilometres from the border with Ukraine). The army lost a lot of valuable equipment used in military operations in the Kursk region.
They lost dozens of valuable vehicles
Russian Federation soldiers repelled the Ukrainian attack, destroying approximately 16 armoured vehicles. Among them are those widely considered some of the best in the local arsenal, including Swedish CV90s, German Marders, and American Strykers.
Ukraine is using the most valuable equipment in the Kursk operation, but according to the Forbes analyst, even these elite formations are struggling to break through the next towns just over the border from Russia into Ukraine. The Russians themselves also face problems, as reported by David Axe. The Russian army is losing equipment en masse, but Putin's forces have a larger reserve to cover the losses.
What did the Ukrainians lose?
The CV90, also known as Combat Vehicle 90, is a Swedish infantry fighting vehicle that has been repeatedly modernized and adapted to various combat conditions. It stands out for its versatility, and it is capable of operating in a wide range of missions from reconnaissance to intense battles with the enemy.
One of the critical aspects of the CV90 is its armour, which provides a high level of protection for both the crew and the infantry. The vehicle has various armour modules that can be adjusted depending on the mission. Its steel hull and additional ceramic and composite elements protect against different kinds of weapons fire. The CV90 can withstand attacks from small arms and light artillery thanks to its advanced protection system.
Another essential feature of the CV90 is its mobility. The vehicle is powered by a high power and torque diesel engine, allowing efficient movement in rugged terrain. It reaches a speed of up to 72 km/h and has an operational range of approximately 500 km, allowing it to quickly respond to changing combat conditions.
They lost German Marders and American Strykers
Conversely, the Marder is a German infantry fighting vehicle that has played a crucial role in the German army for decades. It is appreciated for its reliability, versatility, and advanced construction technologies.
One of the Marder's main advantages is its armour. Equipped with steel armour, it provides protection against machine gun fire and light artillery. Additionally, it has composite modules that can be added depending on the mission requirements. Its armour has been tested repeatedly and proven effective in various combat conditions.
The Marder also has powerful weapons, including a 20 mm cannon and MILAN anti-tank guided missiles. These allow it to effectively support the infantry and combat enemy armoured vehicles. Thanks to its advanced fire control system, the Marder's crew can accurately hit targets at long distances, significantly enhancing its combat effectiveness.
The Stryker is distinguished primarily by its mobility. With all-wheel drive, this vehicle can move up to 96 km/h, making it highly effective in dynamic combat operations. Its operational range is approximately 500 km, allowing for extended patrols and quick responses to threats.
