Espreso. Global

Russian howitzers' barrels are bursting: are only DPRK shells to blame?

15 December, 2023 Friday
20:55

Despite the systematic defects in ammunition from the DPRK, Russia's problems with artillery are much deeper than just defective shells, as the artillery is worn out

client/title.list_title

Ukrainian Defense Express media and consulting company reports.

Russian artillerymen are increasingly complaining about exploding artillery barrels, and another photo of a torn Russian D-30 howitzer has appeared online.

It is impossible to establish the exact time and place of the filming. At the same time, it is noted that the cause of the explosion could be ammunition that Russia began to urgently receive from the DPRK.

Prior to that, there was information that these munitions showed an abnormal spread, and there were even photos of a rather small sample of charges for them that showed massive defects. In fact, five selected charges with the same markings had different powder, different weights, sealing failures, and the absence of a separator.

At the same time, the reasons for the explosion of the shell in the barrel channel, which is what was recorded in the new photos with two Russian D-30s, are listed in the methodological literature on the ammunition itself: insufficient strength of the walls or bottom of the shell body, insufficient obturation of powder gases in the bottom of the shell, poor quality of the explosive in the shell, metal defects, and a defective detonator.

And it is quite possible to put a “tick” in front of each of these points in relation to shells from the DPRK. However, barrel wear must also be added to this.

“The first cases of media coverage of barrel ruptures in the Russian army appeared in the spring of 2023, at a time when there was no talk of shells from the DPRK. And the reason for this was called heavy wear of the barrels, which leads to defects in the barrel channel, which also causes the shell to rupture in the barrel,” Defense Express analysts note.

Ruptured barrel of the Russian 2S3 self-propelled howitzer

Russia's P2S3 self-propelled howitzer. Photo: Defense Express

Especially when it comes to the fact that Russia is removing old Soviet artillery systems from decommissioning, which have been standing in the open for decades and have obviously reached the end of their useful life. But lately, there have been a lot of photos of torn Russian artillery systems.

But rather, the DPRK shells have become only an element of a systematic global problem that increases the chances of self-destruction of Russian artillery. At the same time, the enemy has no way out of this situation, because the greater the wear on the barrel, the lower the accuracy, which means that more shots need to be fired, leading to even greater wear. 

“That is, despite Russia's belief that North Korean shells are to blame, the problem is actually much bigger and more complex. And its solution is beyond Russia's ability to produce the required number of new artillery systems from scratch,” Defense Express concludes.





 
Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
15 January
14:53
Germany allocates new aid package for Ukraine: what it includes
14:35
Captured North Korean troops in Ukraine face deadly orders to protect regime secrets
14:17
Exclusive
Russian army uses 6 different missile types in massive January 15 attack on Ukraine - military expert Zgurets
13:59
Russia targets Ukraine with Kh-55SM missiles carrying nuclear warhead simulators
13:36
OPINION
China is exhausting Russia in Ukraine
13:18
Exclusive
Russia seeks to establish foothold, advance in Kupyansk direction - Khortytsia troop grouping
13:00
Russia launches over 40 missiles, 70 drones at Ukraine: Zelenskyy on massive attack
12:42
Exclusive
North Korea will refuse to acknowledge captured soldiers - human rights advocate
12:24
Exclusive
Russian forces take control of most apartment buildings in Ukraine's Toretsk
12:07
Ukraine must be part of any decision about its future - EU top diplomat
11:50
Review
Russia in flames: Ukrainian forces launch largest strike on Russian territory. Serhiy Zgurets' column
11:28
OPINION
Guarantees of Ukraine's disintegration: key takeaways from Lavrov's press conference
11:09
EU shipyards repair Russian Arctic gas tankers despite sanctions - media
10:51
Ukraine reports 170 clashes at front, repels 70 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk sector
10:30
Exclusive
Conscription age in Ukraine may be lowered if partners boost military aid - MP Kniazhytskyi
10:12
Drones target distillery near military training ground in Russia's Tambov region
09:54
Russia's massive missile attack targets critical infrastructure in western Ukraine
09:35
Russia loses 1,580 soldiers, nearly 400 pieces of equipment in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Tuesday
14 January
21:40
Exclusive
Trump to nullify International Criminal Court warrant by meeting with Putin - expert
21:25
Zelenskyy releases video showing interrogation of captured North Korean soldier
21:10
South Korea ready to take DPRK soldiers captured by Ukraine
20:52
OPINION
Biden took the “safe route”
20:30
NATO starts Baltic Sentry mission, Tusk announces increased presence
20:07
46% of Ukrainians prioritize NATO membership over EU accession – KIIS survey
19:46
Exclusive
“Breaking new ground”: Defense Express on Ukraine’s largest strike on Russian military targets
19:25
Updated
Ukrainian Air Force technicians report mass transfers to infantry; General Staff responds
19:06
Volker expects “decisive approach” in Trump’s Ukraine policy
18:45
Depletion of Russian air defense exposes rear regions to strikes
18:24
Ukrainian exports entered 16 new markets in 2024
17:59
Slovak opposition to call no-confidence vote against Fico government over shift to Russia
17:38
Russia’s military aviation: What happens to 1,100 aircraft not in combat over Ukraine?
17:13
Ukraine may cease to exist in 2025, negotiations should be with U.S., says Putin's aide. Ukraine responds
16:52
Military exercises in Gomel District, Belarus, pose no threat to Ukraine – SBGS
16:34
Ukraine sets up 36 working groups to prepare for EU membership negotiations
16:14
Russian "court" sentences seven Ukrainian POWs involved in Kursk operation
16:03
Updated
Ukraine launches massive strike on Russian military targets, up to 1,100 km deep
15:57
Russian agents exploit families of Ukrainian POWs for sabotage
15:37
Exclusive
'Trump is unpredictable but farsighted': VOA's Myroslava Gongadze on Greenland controversy
15:16
Russian oil tankers stalled as U.S. sanctions bite
14:52
Ukraine's largest long-range strike to date hits key Russian military and industrial sites
More news