Russia has announced plans to deploy the advanced 2S38 air defense vehicle in Ukraine. This move could significantly change the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. The 2S38 Derivatsiya-PVO is a powerful anti-aircraft vehicle designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-precision weapons, and lightly armored targets. Its deployment is expected to enhance Russia’s military capabilities in a region where such threats are increasingly common.
What is the 2S38?
The 2S38 is a highly versatile and sophisticated self-propelled anti-aircraft system. Built on a modified BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) tracked chassis, it boasts excellent mobility across various terrains. The vehicle’s primary weapon is a 57mm automatic cannon, supported by advanced technology. This includes a target tracking radar, electro-optical sensors, and a ballistic computer. These systems enable the 2S38 to engage targets with high accuracy and at considerable distances.
A New Threat to Drones
One of the 2S38’s standout features is its effectiveness against drones. In modern warfare, particularly in Ukraine, drones play a crucial role. Both sides rely heavily on them for reconnaissance and targeted strikes. The 2S38’s 57mm cannon can fire at a rapid rate. Combined with its sophisticated targeting systems, it can track and destroy drones at various altitudes, including low-flying ones that are typically hard to intercept.
Countering Precision Weapons
The 2S38 can also intercept and destroy high-precision weapons like cruise missiles, which is particularly relevant in Ukraine, where forces have extensively used precision-guided munitions.By neutralizing these threats, the 2S38 provides Russian forces with a significant tactical advantage. This could potentially alter the balance of power in contested areas.
Versatility Against Ground Targets
The 2S38 is also effective against lightly armored targets, such as armored personnel carriers (APCs) and other support vehicles. These are commonly used by Ukrainian forces. This versatility makes the 2S38 a multi-role asset on the battlefield. It can engage both aerial and ground threats with equal efficiency, providing Russian forces with more flexibility in combat situations.
Part of a Broader Strategy
The decision to deploy the 2S38 in Ukraine is part of Russia’s broader strategy to enhance its anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities in the region. The introduction of this advanced system is likely to strengthen Russia’s defensive and offensive operations against Ukraine. This is particularly true in areas where UAVs and precision-guided weapons have been heavily utilised.
Challenges for Ukrainian Forces
Military analysts suggest that the Russian 2S38 could pose a significant challenge to Ukrainian forces. This is especially true for those relying on drone reconnaissance and precision strikes. The system’s ability to engage multiple types of targets with high accuracy makes it a formidable opponent.
What Could Happen Next?
The effect of this deployment will depend on a few things. These include how many 2S38 vehicles are sent, where they are placed, and what strategies the Ukrainian forces use against them. Bringing in the 2S38 might start a new part of the conflict, where both sides try harder to control the skies and defend their positions on the ground.
A Technological Arms Race
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the introduction of advanced systems like the 2S38 underscores the ongoing arms race. Technological superiority is becoming increasingly important in modern warfare. The coming weeks and months will likely reveal more about the 2S38’s role in the conflict and its impact on the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
The deployment of the 2S38 in Ukraine is a significant move by Russia. This advanced air defense vehicle could shift the dynamics of the conflict, especially in contested regions. As both sides continue to adapt to new technologies. The situation in Ukraine remains fluid and unpredictable.