Executive Summary
This paper analyzes how Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) compress the artillery kill chain, using the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a case study. It quantifies kill chain phases, estimating a total duration of 60-120 seconds, highlighting time as a critical tactical constraint. The study also examines how environmental factors and countermeasures in Ukraine can degrade UAS effectiveness, extending kill chain timelines.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense analysts as it quantifies the impact of UAS on artillery kill chains, providing empirical data on operational tempo and vulnerability in modern warfare, and highlighting the critical role of environmental factors and countermeasures.
Key Takeaways
- UAS-enabled artillery kill chains can be compressed to 60-120 seconds, making rapid displacement and concealment critical for survival.
- Traditional artillery tactics are obsolete in UAS-saturated environments, requiring new approaches to dwell time, decentralization, and counter-UAS measures.
- Environmental factors (e.g., cold, fog) and electronic warfare significantly degrade UAS effectiveness, extending kill chain timelines and offering opportunities for countermeasures.
Strategic Relevance
The study provides quantitative insights into the accelerated tempo of modern artillery engagements due to UAS integration, directly impacting doctrinal development, simulation models, and military education for Multi-Domain Operations. It underscores the need for rapid adaptation in tactics and technology to ensure survivability and effectiveness.