Russian forces employ Soviet deep battle theory to restore battlefield maneuverability

Institute for the Study of War reports.

It is noted that Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported that the invading Russian forces are attempting to employ the Soviet deep battle theory for operational planning in order to quickly penetrate the Ukrainian defense. However, they are unable to do so.

It is estimated that “deep battle theory’s key operational tenets are still valid in modern war, and the Russian military could restore maneuver to the battlefield and overcome Ukrainian defenses if it could successfully plan and execute operationally sound campaigns using deep battle theory. Ukrainian forces could also use deep battle theory to restore maneuver to the battlefield to their advantage if their Western supporters properly resourced them.”

According to the observer, the current limited capabilities of the Russian forces, particularly in conducting effective counter-battery fire, striking targets at operational depth, concealing force concentrations from the enemy, and countering Ukrainian technological parity, are hindering their ability to achieve the necessary operational level of swiftness and to penetrate Ukrainian defenses.

For reference. The theory of deep battle is a product of Soviet operational art developed in the 1920s and 1930s, which was designed to restore maneuver on the battlefield after World War I.

This involves engaging the enemy on multiple fronts and in depth at the tactical and operational levels through air and artillery attacks. The theory of deep combat assumes that successful operational planning, which includes sequenced plans of operations to prevent the enemy from recovering integral defensive positions after penetration, is essential.

• Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that a new stage in the war has begun, and Ukraine has moved from offensive to defensive operations.