Ukrainians target, dismantle Russian artillery with surgical precision
For months, Ukrainians have been methodically targeting and destroying Russian artillery, causing significant issues in replacing lost guns. Some Russians have decided to tackle this problem through on-the-spot engineering, resulting in bizarre creations. One example is a towed howitzer made from scrap metal and a damaged BMP-1.
It's worth noting that Ukrainians and Russians improvise in this war. However, Ukrainian projects usually have a clear, specific purpose. On the other hand, Russian modifications often appear chaotic and pointless and involve adding scrap as makeshift armor.
Of course, there are also successful examples, like "armoured barns" that are fairly resistant to simple FPV drones. However, the towed howitzer with a 73 mm caliber, created by pulling a turret most likely from a non-combat capable BMP-1 armored personnel carrier (APC) and nearby scrap, does not fall into that category.
Scrap and BMP-1 artillery - such a combination makes no sense
The 2A28 Grom gun with a 73 mm caliber used in the BMP-1 APCs, which were revolutionary 50 years ago with a firing rate of 6-8 rounds per minute, is now ineffective against armored targets. Automatic cannons are more suitable for combating infantry in fortifications or buildings. This is one reason the Russians abandoned the 2A28 Grom cannon in the BMP-2.
However, some time ago, Ukrainians began using their BMP-1 APCs as improvised artillery with a range of 4.5 kilometers or more if the turret is set at a steeper angle. The ammunition used is OG-15V high-explosive fragmentation rounds, which have a destructive power similar to mortar rounds.
The rationale for this could still be understood for the BMP-1, which can quickly change its position after a few shots. However, the same cannot be said for the towed form presented by the Russians.
Each activation of such artillery will draw counter-battery fire within minutes. Additionally, the footage shows that the Russian construction lacks proper stabilization, causing it to shift after firing. This makes accurate targeting impossible, and the shells end up falling unpredictably.
