Despite drone advancements, old-school artillery still comes through in Ukraine’s war. It remains vital, delivering broader, faster, and cheaper firepower, especially against groups or fixed targets, according to The Wall Street Journal. While drones offer precision, they’re vulnerable to jamming and carry limited payloads. Ukraine’s battlefield experience is now shaping how the United States and its allies imagine the future of combat, recognizing that artillery still plays a central role in modern warfare. They write:

“For 12 soldiers, you may have needed 12 drones, and would need time to get them over there,” said the battery commander, who goes by the call sign Bobcat. He fired five shells, which arrived in minutes and obliterated the area.

Bohdana Howitzers Power Ukraine’s Frontline Firepower

Reflecting this reality, Ukraine is rapidly increasing production of its Bohdana howitzers—now up to 40 per month, to replace battlefield losses and support ground offensives. Despite the growing reliance on drones, artillery remains crucial for breaking enemy lines and is most effective when used in conjunction with drones and infantry maneuvers. As Forbes writes in “Artillery Is Still King, And Ukraine Has Mastered Producing Howitzers,” Ukraine’s domestic production now rivals Russia’s and even surpasses the output of many Western countries. They write:

Until recently, Ukrainian artillery accounted for the majority of Russian combat losses in the Russia-Ukraine War. However, drones have now taken on this role, partly due to Ukraine’s significant losses of howitzers. In response, Ukraine has increased its ability to deploy large numbers of its domestically produced 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers. […]

A key factor in Ukraine’s resilience has been its ability to innovate in both technology and tactics. While drones and electronic warfare have drawn significant attention, Ukraine’s rapid expansion of howitzer production has been equally remarkable. With a monthly output of forty Bohdana howitzers, Ukraine’s production capacity rivals that of Russia and surpasses every Western military. Combined with its advancements in other defense domains, Ukraine’s growing howitzer arsenal enhances its ability to sustain and adapt to a very uncertain battlefield.

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