Russia Uses Outdated S-60 57mm Anti-aircraft Guns In Ground Attacks Against Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine continued, Russia military has fall back to the use of old military weapons designed just after World War 2 in 1950s to maintain ground attacks against Ukraine.
On Saturday, Russian Defense Ministry released a new video that shows an airborne unit using 57mm caliber S-60 anti-aircraft guns mounted on the body of the Ural-4320 car to hit Ukrainian military posts in the forest.
S-60 is a towed single barrel 57mm anti-aircraft gun of Soviet origin. Designed just after World War 2 to replace the 37mm M1939. S-60 was also known as the AZP S-60 in Soviet service and as the M1950 in the West.
It is gathered that the anti aircraft guns can be used as a standalone weapon or used in conjunction with fire control and radar. In modern armies, the S-60 is replaced by surface to air missiles. The S-60 remains a powerful but outdated weapon system, according to military experts.
Russian Defense Ministry in the video, the S-60 cannon was placed on the Ural-4320 truck to increase maneuverability. The artillery battery moved into position and began to fire, and used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to scout targets, determine explosion points and correct ballistics.
The 57 mm caliber S-60 anti-aircraft gun when it was put into service in the 1950s, and guided by radar or optical equipment, achieved a continuous rate of fire of 70 rounds per minute and an effective range of about 6 km.
Meanwhile, we learnt that this type of artillery is being used by both Russia and Ukraine for ground-attack missions because the 57mm anti-aircraft ammunition carries a powerful explosive block, weighing 150-170 grams and creates many fragments, which can damage targets; such as infantry, electronic weapons, motor vehicles and light armor of the enemy.
In another development, reports from Moscow indicated that the Russian army are now offering bonuses, should any of the army either damage or destroy a NATO provided western tank.
Russia who seems to be ready for Ukraine’s ‘Retake Crimea’ challenge has constructed an extensive network of trenches across Crimea, according to observers.
This as more than 50 highly classified Pentagon documents that appeared online reveal how the U.S. and NATO planned to strengthen Ukraine’s military as it prepares for a counter-offensive against Russia this spring. The leaks have forced Ukraine to amend some of its military plans, according to CNN.
On road to peace, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that France cannot broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow as it is “both indirectly and directly involved in this conflict on the side of Ukraine”.
Dmitry Peskov comments came as the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces said Russian troops had switched to “scorched earth” tactics in the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut, destroying buildings and positions with air strikes and artillery.
