What are the Lessons from land warfare after One year of war in Ukraine?

The war in Ukraine is not the only template for future wars. After all, war is a many-headed monster. But the combination of threat and impact of this type of large-scale conventional war requires preparation for a worst-case scenario.

While the US focus is shifting to the Indo-Pacific, European countries are embarking on a period of rearmament and reconstruction of their armed forces. It is advisable that they draw on insights into strategy, organization and command, technology and platforms, methods of action, and training and education, based on an analysis of this terrible war on the European continent.

The war in Ukraine is not the only template for future wars. After all, war is a many-headed monster. But the combination of threat and impact of this type of large-scale conventional war requires preparation for a worst-case scenario.

While the US focus is shifting to the Indo-Pacific, European countries are embarking on a period of rearmament and reconstruction of their armed forces. It is advisable that they draw on insights into strategy, organization and command, technology and platforms, methods of action, and training and education, based on an analysis of this terrible war on the European continent.

What are the Lessons from land warfare after One year of war in Ukraine, in 1000 words?

 

The war in Ukraine, which began in 2014, has now entered its eighth year, making it one of the longest conflicts in modern European history. It has involved a range of actors, including Ukrainian government forces, Russian-backed separatists, and Russian regular forces. The conflict has caused over 13,000 deaths and displaced over 1.5 million people, with no end in sight. One year after the start of the war, in 2015, several key lessons can be drawn from the land warfare that has taken place.

 

Hybrid Warfare: The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the effectiveness of hybrid warfare, which combines conventional and unconventional tactics. Russia has used a range of tactics, including cyberattacks, propaganda, and disinformation campaigns, to support its military objectives in Ukraine. The use of hybrid warfare has allowed Russia to maintain plausible deniability and operate without facing international consequences. European countries need to prepare for hybrid warfare in future conflicts.

 

Importance of Intelligence: Intelligence plays a critical role in modern warfare. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of having accurate and timely intelligence. In particular, effective intelligence is required to counter hybrid warfare tactics, which can be difficult to detect and respond to. European countries need to invest in intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities to be prepared for future conflicts.

 

Artillery and Drones: The use of artillery and drones has been a significant factor in the conflict in Ukraine. Both sides have used artillery to shell each other's positions, causing significant damage and casualties. Drones have been used for reconnaissance and as a weapon platform. The conflict has demonstrated the importance of having effective counter-artillery and air defense capabilities, as well as the ability to use drones for reconnaissance and targeting.

 

Urban Warfare: The conflict in Ukraine has also involved urban warfare, with fighting taking place in cities and towns. Urban warfare presents unique challenges, including the need to avoid civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The conflict has demonstrated the importance of having specialized urban warfare units, as well as the need for effective coordination between ground forces and air support.

 

Training and Education: The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of training and education for military personnel. Effective training is necessary to prepare soldiers for the challenges of modern warfare, including hybrid tactics and urban warfare. European countries need to invest in training and education programs that prepare soldiers for the realities of modern conflict.

 

Logistics and Supply: The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of logistics and supply in modern warfare. Both sides have faced challenges in supplying their forces, including shortages of ammunition and fuel. The conflict has demonstrated the importance of having effective logistics and supply chains, as well as the need to have backup plans in place in case supply lines are disrupted.

 

Joint Operations: The conflict in Ukraine has involved joint operations between ground forces and air support. Effective joint operations require coordination and communication between different units and branches of the military. European countries need to invest in joint operations capabilities to be prepared for future conflicts.

 

In conclusion, the conflict in Ukraine has provided valuable lessons for European countries preparing for future land warfare. The conflict has demonstrated the effectiveness of hybrid warfare, the importance of intelligence, the role of artillery and drones, the challenges of urban warfare, the need for effective training and education, the importance of logistics and supply, and the need for effective joint operations. By drawing on these lessons, European countries can better prepare for the challenges of modern conflict.