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UKRAINE­ RUSSIA SHOWS US THE FUTURE OF WAR WITH HIGH­END ATGMS, DRONES. INDIA HAS TO STEP UP

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 9/24/2022 1:01:03 PM

New Delhi,Sep 23 Ukraine’s Kharkiv counter-offensive, which began on 5 September and resulted in the recapture of 6,000 square kilometres of its territory, has led to speculation of an eventual Russian defeat. Considering Russia’s immense reserves and unused combat potential, it is unlikely to suffer a decisive military defeat but has certainly been stalemated—which is nothing short of a political defeat for a superior power. If Ukraine succeeds in recapturing Kherson, the mounting men and material losses may force Russia to negotiate a face-saving victory restricted to the Donbas region and Crimea. There have been many instances where bigger powers have been worn down and politically defeated by prolonged guerrilla wars—Vietnam and Afghanistan being notable examples. Ukraine would be a unique example in military history because history wherein a smaller nation has defeated a much superior military power in a conventional war. Apart from the constants of national will, strategy, leadership, motivation and superior training, it is the exploitation of high-end military technology that has made the difference in favour of Ukraine. Pitched battles and close combat, except in built-up areas, have been conspicuous by their absence. The effectiveness of tanks, aircraft, attack helicopters, and artillery as major battle-winning factors has been neutralised to a great extent. The outcome of battles is now decided by Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs), delivered by aircraft, helicopters, drones and ground-based weapon systems backed by an effective cyber and electronic warfare proof Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition.