The press service of the 68th Artillery Brigade released photos of artillery crew training, highlighting the importance of improving key skills such as rapid deployment in the age of drones, firing accuracy, coordination with aerial reconnaissance, and survivability tactics.
Released photos of the Ukrainian 155-mm 2P22 Bohdana-BG towed howitzer have drawn the attention of SHM Vodogray. In addition to standard protective mesh, the Ukrainian howitzer has been fitted with anti-drone protection covering its vulnerable barrel.
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Most of the barrel is now protected by anti-drone systems known as the "hedgehog" or "dandelion." Previously, such elements were used as protective armor on russian armored vehicles—mainly tanks—as well as on Ukrainian vehicles, while France had also considered this type of passive protection against FPV drones.
As noted by Vodogray, an important detail is how these protective elements are mounted on the howitzer barrel and how they affect the operation of the artillery system—particularly barrel temperature, which influences firing accuracy, barrel service life, as well as operational safety.
It is interesting how effective this type of barrel protection can be, as it may prevent a drone from directly striking the barrel, while still leaving a risk of damage from debris.
At the same time, this option may still improve barrel protection against potential damage, for example if a drone or other weapon explodes nearby.
Since the Bohdana-B featuring these defensive elements was demonstrated during exercises, it remains unclear whether this type of anti-drone protection has been tested in combat.
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