Western arms in Ukraine: Technical prowess, mixed results
Western military equipment does not always provide Ukraine with an advantage over Russia, even though it may appear technically superior. Comparing technical specifications is not the correct approach to draw accurate conclusions.
Western military equipment, while often deemed more advanced, does not consistently offer Ukraine an edge over Russia. For instance, Abrams tanks, despite their strong reputation, have suffered losses on the Ukrainian front. General Waldemar Skrzypczak explained in an interview with Wirtualna Polska that no tanks are indestructible, and Abrams tanks are primarily designed to protect the crew's lives.
Equipment without defense systems
The tanks supplied to Ukraine lack active defense systems, leaving them vulnerable to drone and anti-tank missile attacks. Consequently, the Russians prioritize the destruction of these machines. Furthermore, the number of modern tanks, such as the Abrams or Leopard 2, is negligible compared to older models.
The real impact on the war comes from hundreds of older tanks (or combat vehicles), like those provided by Poland or the Czech Republic in 2022. Shipments of a dozen or several dozen tanks over several months have less impact on the outcome of the war.
The role of western support
Western support, although not always involving the latest technology, is vital for Ukraine. An example is the HIMARS missile launchers, which had a significant impact on Russian logistics in 2022. Similarly, Starlink satellite internet has given Ukraine informational advantages.
Although the technical superiority of Western equipment is sometimes undeniable, such as in the case of artillery, it does not always equate to a combat advantage. Effective use of equipment requires proper reconnaissance, which is effectively hindered by Russian aviation.
Long-term support as the key to success
Does this mean that Western weapons are not significant in helping Ukrainians build an advantage on the front line? It depends. The war in Ukraine has shown that Western weapons have influenced battles (notably Starlink, Storm Shadow missiles, and others), but when assessing the effectiveness of Western weapons in Ukraine, one should consider that these are often not cutting-edge designs.
