ARRC JOURNAL
Example 2
Forces on Russian Soil Fire into Ukraine – source: offiziere.ch
28th July 2014
Perhaps
more
interestingly,
we also see the remnants of various
firing positions located inside the Ukraine
border (Figures 3 and 4). Blast marks
or ground scarring depicted in imagery
from 21 July is consistent with that from
a multiple rocket launcher. Comments
from US officials (24JUL14) suggest
these may be from the BM-30 Smerch, a
potent Multiple Rocket Launcher (MLR)
consisting of 12 tubes for 300mm rockets.
Additional BDA and the respective strike
distances were provided in the imagery.
Figure 1 – Russia self-propelled artillery distance from the Ukrainian target 8.5 miles
Figures 1 and 2 are commercial
satellite images showing some troubling
developments on the border between
Ukraine and Russia suggesting Russian
military forces direct helping the
separatists by firing at the Ukrainian
military from Russian soil.
may be the 2S1 or 2S3.
It’s doubtful these are
Russia’s more potent
2S19, as suggested by
the size and shadow of
the vehicles. Besides,
Ukraine has 2S1s and
2S3s in abundance which
could provide Russia
cover for any accusations
regarding outside material
assistance. Though, that
argument may be difficult
to defend as Russia would
have to explain why it
allowed a separatist unit
on its side of the border.
Figure 3 – Multiple Rocket Launchers firing at Ukrainian Military Forces
in Ukraine
Figure 2 – Russian self-propelled artillery setup in
unprepared firing positions
This is explicitly depicted in imagery
from 23 July (Figure 1 and 2) which
shows self-propelled artillery setup
in unprepared firing positions aimed
at a nearby Ukrainian military unit.
Accompanying this image was also a
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)
showing the subsequent impact craters
viewed right.
The BDA was conducted comparing
imagery between 20 and 23 July 2014
of the Ukrainian position. A quick
geolocation of both units’ respective
positions using Google Earth shows
a distance of approximately 8.5 miles,
well within the range of Russia’s self-
propelled artillery. Despite the low fidelity
of the imagery, those viewed above
Figure 4 – Russian Multiple Rocket Launcher Strikes within Ukraine
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