Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi Shows Why Artillery Still Matters

Key Points:

• Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi, aimed at retaking eastern territory near Lyman, combines drones and robotic systems with heavy artillery, which remains crucial for holding gains and disrupting Russian forces.
• By the end of September, Ukrainian forces recaptured 176 square kilometers, relying heavily on continuous artillery fire to prevent Russian counterattacks, as reported by the Third Army Corps and the Institute for the Study of War.
• Artillery and drones work in tandem, with drones identifying targets and artillery delivering decisive strikes, including the destruction of Russian artillery, air defense systems, and command posts using HIMARS rocket systems.
• Despite the rise of drones as key battlefield assets, Western analysts and Ukrainian commanders emphasize that artillery remains indispensable, especially for targeting fortified positions and maintaining control of ground.
• The ongoing conflict highlights the complementary roles of drones and traditional artillery, with military leaders cautioning against replacing heavy firepower entirely with drone technology.