Current shares on social media from Russian sources current a charming scene of a Ukrainian M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer that’s wrecked and seemingly past restore. The timeframe and placement of the destruction of this Western-provided M109 to Ukraine are indeterminate, however that’s not the crux of the matter on this circumstance.
The Russian sources declare {that a} Russian Lancet loitering missile is answerable for the damaging assault on this M109 Paladin. The aftermath of the drone strike presents a riveting sight. In distinction, we’ve seen German Leopard tanks and different self-propelled howitzers – each Japanese and Western European variants – with considerably much less harm, albeit incapacitated.
The precise harm on this M109 is difficult to overlook – its left drive chain is ruined, with a part of the higher left chassis cut up aside. The gun turret additionally bore the brunt of the assault on the left facet, leaving little to nothing of the armored exterior of the howitzer. The interior compartment, initially meant for the crew, is totally charred, devoid of any salvageable components. In reality, the explosion was of such magnitude that it left a giant gaping gap on the parallel proper facet of the dome.
How penetrating is the M109’s armor?
Constructed from a single metal composite referred to as Rolled Homogeneous Armor [RHA], the protection of the M109 measures 13 to fifteen mm alongside its sides, and a substantial 19 mm within the entrance. Though this may increasingly not examine to the robustness of most important battle tanks, it’s important to keep in mind that the aim of the M109 is extra artillery-focused.
Whereas it won’t maintain up towards highly effective anti-tank weapons, the M109’s armor has confirmed itself towards small arms fireplace and scattered shell fragments. The armor has seen varied iterations with every contributing to its progressive enhancement. For example, the newer variant, the M109A6 Paladin, comes with an extra layer of armor safety. This mannequin options modular armor that may be upgraded as wanted, offering priceless safety towards particular threats.
Regardless of the upgrades, it’s essential to say that the first assemble of the M109’s armor doesn’t grant it the power to resist direct impacts from oppressive anti-tank weaponry.
How a lot explosive is required?
Particular figures indicating the precise quantity of TNT required to penetrate its armor are usually not publicly shared. Such info is usually saved confidential on account of navy sensitivities.
Regardless of the shortage of concrete figures, we are able to delve into the basics of armor-piercing mechanisms. The success of an explosive in penetrating armor hinges on quite a few elements. These embrace the kind of explosive used, the proximity of the blast to the goal, and the angle at which the explosion impacts the armor. For instance, formed expenses are notably efficient at penetrating armor as they channel the power from the blast right into a concentrated stream, in contrast to a commonplace explosion.
The armor defending the M109 has undergone a sequence of upgrades all through its lifespan. Think about the M109A6 Paladin variant, it options added armor for enhanced protection. The armor on this mannequin is modular, which permits for augmentations that provide elevated safety towards particular threats. Regardless of these developments, it’s essential to notice that the armor on the M109 isn’t designed to resist a direct hit from heavy-duty anti-tank weaponry. As an alternative, its protection depends on its mobility and the strategic maneuvers of the crew to evade incoming hits.
One Lancet
Constructed by the Russian agency, ZALA Aero, the Lancet kamikaze drone can drop an explosive payload at a focused location and explode upon affect. Regardless of its compact measurement, the Lancet-3, the heaviest mannequin in its line, carries a 3 kg cost, substantial sufficient to wreak important havoc, particularly when it targets a defenseless spot.
Considering that the payload of Lancet can inflict extreme hurt, think about a situation the place it’s profitable to find a weak level on the M109 Paladin. Examples might embrace the higher armor, the engine compartment on the again, or the area nestled between the turret and the chassis. Judging by the extent of destruction evident within the video, it appears the area between the dome and the chassis suffered essentially the most, indicative of the precision attributed to the Russian drone operator.
M019 losses in Ukraine
Based on the LostArmour database, the primary Paladins, which have been M109A3GN items from Norway, started to be broken in early November 2022. This occurred within the Nikolaev area, the place they have been destroyed by the Russian navy.
The Russian Ministry of Protection has constantly reported on Ukrainian M109s since mid-January. Roughly each two days, the ministry shares updates in regards to the destruction of a couple of those self-propelled artilleries at varied places. Information point out that since September 2023, Russian forces have reported destroying 9 of those artillery items.
Based on the Ministry’s studies, between January and September 2023, the battle claimed as many as 58 M109 self-propelled weapons, throughout all fashions. Alternatively, the LostArmor database information 14 entries, full with photographs and coordinates of the destroyed machines. Curiously sufficient, 11 of those artillery items listed within the unofficial database weren’t talked about within the protection division’s reporting. There are additionally three further destroyed armored items, which seem like included in each databases.
In conclusion, as of now, the Kyiv administration has witnessed losses of no less than 69 Paladin self-propelled weapons from all fashions, equating to greater than 40% of all such artilleries. Images from LostArmour additionally present that the broken items are sometimes past restore.
M109 delivered to Ukraine
Norway was the primary to supply Ukraine with American self-propelled weapons, saying a cargo of 20 M109A3GN from their stockpile of 56. This switch was initiated shortly after the announcement, and Ukrainian operators shortly realized the right way to function these new machines. By mid-July, these weapons have been actively utilized on the battlefield.
In June 2023, there was information about an upcoming supply of M109A4BE self-propelled weapons. Till mid-2023, Belgium had been using this kind of gear earlier than promoting it to varied international international locations and companies. Simply final yr, the UK bought two dozen of those weapons from OIP Land Techniques to offer to Kyiv.
We must also acknowledge Latvia’s contribution. They supplied Kyiv with six M109A5Ö modified armored autos, initially sourced from Austria. Nonetheless, it’s price noting that almost all of such gear, round 40 items, has been retained by Latvia. In October 2022, Italy commenced deliveries. Italy not too long ago transitioned from the previous American ‘Paladins’ to the trendy German PzH 2000 self-propelled weapons. This transition freed up round 200 M109Ls, with roughly half being equipped to Kyiv.
In complete
Unsurprisingly, the newest provider of those M109 weapons is the USA. Early in 2023, they dispatched 18 of their latest model, the M109A6, to Ukraine. What we all know for sure is that 164 Paladin self-propelled weapons have both arrived in Ukraine or are in transit. Remember the fact that there might be extra about which we’re but to study. The precise quantity is likely to be increased. Moreover, further support might be on the best way, which might improve the overall variety of self-propelled weapons supplied.
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