UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS - 3 ANSWERS, PART 14: Tank battle?

03/18/2022 By Redaktion

Austrian Armed Forces Engagement Conflicts War

Various weapon systems and soldiers from different branches of the military, specializing in different areas, are used in the war in Ukraine. Major Ralf Einwallner is the chief instructor for combat tanks at the "Tank and Mechanized Infantry" institute at the Army Troop School. He explains some of the specialist terms.

This is what the Austrian Armed Forces expert says:

What are combat tanks still needed for on the battlefield in 2022?

Combat tanks combine firepower, mobility, and crew protection. Whenever rapid, forceful advances with quick territorial gains are needed, combat tanks must be at the forefront. At the same time, they are also important for intercepting such advances or attacks and holding territories. Both of these are currently seen in the Ukrainian war: the best way to fight tanks is with tanks.

Thanks to their caterpillar tracks, tanks are able to navigate almost any terrain and weather conditions. In other words, where wheels fail, the track keeps moving forward.

With modern optics and stabilized cannons, enemies can be detected and engaged at distances of several kilometers, at any time of day and in almost any weather - even while moving at full speed. The main task is to engage enemy tanks, armored vehicles, and to support infantry by targeting positions and bunkers.

What are mechanized infantry needed for on today's battlefield?

Unlike other infantry soldiers, mechanized infantry utilize infantry fighting vehicles. With these, they are superior in terms of firepower, off-road capability, and protection compared to other vehicles. However, infantry fighting vehicles cannot compete with combat tanks.

Usually, an infantry fighting vehicle can transport a group of infantry in addition to its crew. If necessary, these infantry dismount and continue the fight on foot. This makes this arm flexible for both defensive and offensive purposes.

Typically, infantry fighting vehicles have caterpillar tracks that allow them to follow combat tanks into any terrain. This becomes important if the terrain no longer favors or complicates the use of combat tanks - for example, in urban areas. In such cases, the rapid deployment of mechanized infantry is crucial.

In Ukraine, it is observed that Russian combat tanks are increasingly being shot down by anti-tank weapons, among other close-range weapons. This is a result of the lack of protection provided by infantry: because once soldiers have taken control of the area around the combat tanks, it is difficult for the enemy to use anti-tank weapons.

Tanks and mechanized infantry together form the backbone of modern warfare, as they are the only ones capable of capturing and holding terrain.

Why is artillery needed on the battlefield?

Artillery engages targets indirectly through high angle fire, meaning the target is not directly aimed at and the shells travel many kilometers. Technological advancements in weapon platforms, ammunition, sensors, and guidance systems have led to a "renaissance" of gun and rocket artillery in recent conflicts as well as currently.

Modern artillery can be used in many scenarios. Being able to hit targets accurately from many kilometers away is just one of their capabilities, as is being able to focus fire on large target areas. Enemy force concentrations can be quickly targeted without exposing one's own troops to direct confrontation.

On one hand, artillery reduces the enemy's effect on its own troops along the contact line through high angle fire. On the other hand, the combat power of the opponent is weakened in the depth of the battlefield - for example, with strikes against command centers, enemy artillery, air defense, or supply installations. This can significantly increase the chances of success.

Unlike air forces, artillery can operate and engage independently of time of day and weather. In summary: the advantage lies with whoever can ensure faster, longer-range, more effective, and more precise high angle fire support.

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