Novorossia - Artillery units
Artillery units of the Russian occupation forces deserve special attention. Each brigade of the 1st and 2nd AK includes an artillery group. As a rule, the number of fire weapons in a division is 18 units. The composition of the GADN includes D-30 howitzers, in some cases - non-self-propelled guns "Nona-K", the composition of the GSADN - 2S1, ReADn - BM21, the composition of the PTABatr - MT12. An analysis of open sources (photos at training grounds, during hostilities, etc.) shows that the number of combat-ready units is at least 12 per division. Combat readiness is determined by the number of trained crews. In some cases (for example, in the 9th regiment), self-propelled and towed artillery are organizationally combined into one structure.
The standard structure corresponds to the similar one both in the brigades of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The brigades have primitive means of artillery reconnaissance: compass, DS-1, LPR and other optical devices. Artillery aerial reconnaissance capabilities, as a rule, are completely absent or limited. Usually, one battery from the GADN and GSADn is on duty, of which at least one battery is constantly in firing positions. The brigades do not have 152 mm howitzers, and this drastically reduces their firepower compared to the brigade artillery groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The OAB is of much greater interest. Each corps has one OABr in its composition: "Kalmius" in the 1st AK and the 10th OABr (often the number is not indicated) in the 2nd AC. Both brigades have gone through different paths in the formation and therefore have a different structure and weapons.
As part of the ReADn, in addition to the standard 18 BM-21 vehicles, there is a full-fledged battery of BM-27 "Hurricane". One of the vehicles was captured from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, five more were received in the order of resupplying from the Russian Federation. However, according to data that require additional reconnaissance, at present only two BM-27s have survived in the brigade. There are also at least two transport-loading vehicles (TZM) for the BM-27.
One of the GADN is equipped with 18 units of 2A65 "Msta-B", the second - with 18 units of 2A36 "Hyacinth-B". According to unverified reports, the brigade also has one or two D-20 batteries. ZRDn is equipped with Strela-10 and Osa air defense systems, as well as MANPADS. Probably, the self-defense brigade also includes an anti-tank division with Fagot anti-tank systems in service. Artillery reconnaissance of the brigade is equipped with sound-measuring systems and Russian-made Granat UAVs. The presence of UAVs of other types is not known for certain. Note the high staffing of the brigade with personnel - all of its units are fully combat-ready.
As for the Kalmius OABr, its combat strength is somewhat more modest: the brigade includes the GSADN on 2S1, the GADn with an unknown number of batteries, which are armed with 2A65, 2A36, D-20, and ReADn with BM-21. Data on the presence of the ReADn BM-27 in service has not been confirmed.
The brigade also includes ZRDn. The type of UAV in service is not known for certain. Until the summer of 2019, the artillery reconnaissance of the brigade used the Zoo complex.
Unlike the 10th OABR, the Kalmius staffing level is critically low and is less than 50%. Given that the forces of the brigade are dispersed by battery across a large sector of the front, they will not be able to exert a real influence on the course of hostilities.
The network of observation posts (NP) of the 2nd AK is united into a system within which there is a rapid exchange of information. Data is transmitted both to the brigade level and to the level of the 10th OAB. The artillery reconnaissance system also includes sound-measuring posts, which supplement the data of visual observations.
But in the 1st AK there is no unified artillery reconnaissance system, the NPs are under brigade subordination. The general level of artillery reconnaissance in the corps is very low; the corps is not capable of organizing an effective KKB. He has intelligence tools, but does not use them systematically. The artillery reconnaissance of the corps interacts at the junction of the 3rd and 7th Motorized Rifle Brigade.
The average reaction time of the KBB system of the 1st AK is 40–60 minutes. A significant qualitative improvement in the CSC system of both corps occurs when using counter-battery radars, but this happens sporadically and is provided by the forces of the military personnel of the Russian Federation. When using systems of the "Zoo" type, the reaction time is reduced to 15-25 minutes.
It should also be noted that both brigades have Russian Krasnopol (guided) and Sakharose (cassette) shells at their disposal. Both types of projectiles were repeatedly used in combat, but with low efficiency.
