Howitzers that Washington handed over to Ukraine.. What are they distinguished and do they make the difference in the war?

WASHINGTON

- Every day, around the clock, US weapons and ammunition arrive in Ukraine, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems, helicopters, drones, grenade launchers, and millions of rounds and munitions.

In addition to providing weapons, Washington is making strenuous efforts to support the Ukrainian side with intelligence and financially, while avoiding the appearance that it is engaged in a direct confrontation with Russia.

Many analysts attributed the Ukrainian military successes to the thousands of light shoulder-fired guns that Western countries provided to the Ukrainian fighters, and succeeded in targeting thousands of Russian tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers.

However, some military experts believe that the great role of these missiles is only part of a larger picture that includes a vital role for the cannons that make the difference in these wars.

That is why the United States and other European countries are focusing so much on providing howitzers to Ukrainian forces at this point in the fighting.

Some countries in the world have these guns, but Ukraine was not among them.

Al-Jazeera Net is presented in the form of a question and answer to some aspects related to Howitzer guns.

Did Washington actually send howitzers to Ukraine?

On April 21, US President Joe Biden said that his country would send dozens of howitzers to Ukraine, and a few days ago a US military official confirmed that 70 cannons had already been delivered with their ammunition, and that more than 50 Ukrainian soldiers had been trained to use them.

What are the characteristics of these defenders?

The 155mm M198 howitzer, delivered to the Ukrainian forces, is a mobile field artillery piece that can be easily towed and towed.

Recently, the demand for these guns mounted on moving trucks has increased, instead of traditional artillery systems that rely on tracked chassis, as they are less costly to produce, in addition to their ability to perform the same tasks.

These conventional fire cannons, backed by American intelligence, in addition to images of drones, will be able to accurately target their targets in confrontations on a long front extending more than 500 km in the Donbass region.

Ukrainian soldiers fire a howitzer during military exercises near the capital Kyiv (European)

Why did the latest US military aid package include howitzers?

The first shipments of American aid focused on thousands of light and effective Stinger and Javelin cannons to counter the tanks and armored vehicles of the invading Russian forces.

The first package of weapons included 18 155 mm howitzers.

The new package includes another 72 guns, most of which have already arrived in Ukraine.

According to a US military official, "howitzers in Ukraine will have a significant impact on Ukrainian firepower."

Since the Donbass region consists mostly of flat and rolling plains, artillery will be much needed because of the way the terrain is located.

Are Ukrainian soldiers trained to use these guns?

According to a US military official, 50 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained by US trainers at military bases in Germany.

Those who have been trained will be tasked with using these cannons, in addition to training more Ukrainian soldiers to use howitzers.

The Pentagon asserts that the weapons sent by the United States "now provide enough artillery to equip 5 Ukrainian battalions for use in the fighting in the Donbass region."

What are the most important characteristics of howitzers?

A short gun howitzer, placed at a steep landing angle, used to fire through relatively high trajectories.

The cannon can fire up to 4 thrusts per minute.

The howitzers supplied by Washington to Kiev are distinguished by their being of the lightest type without sacrificing their range or accuracy, which facilitates their deployment and transportation in different and changing locations.

Washington has also equipped this gun with a GPS system, which allows it to locate targets easily and accurately.

Weight

: 10,000 lbs

35.75 feet

Less than 3 minutes

Each gun requires a crew of 9 soldiers

30 km

4 rounds per minute

92-97 lbs.

Can be transported with any of the 5-ton MTVs and trucks