Rockets and Missiles Over Ukraine: The Changing Face of Battle

During the Russian-Ukrainian war, both sides heavily relied on rockets and missiles, including Soviet-era and modern weapons. Russia launched a "limited military operation" in February 2022, which the West responded to by supplying modern weapons to Ukraine. However, Western aid was often destroyed by Russian forces, and large quantities of weapons were captured by the Russians. This book provides a comprehensive guide to all missiles and rockets used by both sides, including ex-Soviet, Ukrainian, and Russian anti-armour rockets and missiles supplied by NATO. The war allowed manufactures and military experts to assess the true effectiveness of their weapons in the most realistic setting of all, the battlefield.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the intense conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both sides relied heavily on a diverse array of rockets and missiles, some dating back to the Soviet era and others boasting cutting-edge technology. These weapons played a pivotal role in the ongoing war, with their deployment marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict. The outbreak of the civil war in the east of Ukraine in 2014 highlighted the importance of rockets and missiles, alongside artillery, in the military operations of both the regular Ukrainian military and paramilitary nationalistic formations as well as separatist groups. For eight long years, these weapons continued to be fired on a daily basis, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties.

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a "limited military operation" in Ukraine, unleashing a barrage of new equipment, including cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles, targeting Ukrainian military installations. In response, the West pledged to supply modern weapons to the Ukrainian military, particularly armor, to counter the Russian threat. Ukraine became a vast depot for NATO ammunition and weapons, including short-range air defense systems and antitank rockets. These weapons were transported from Western stocks to Poland, where they were loaded onto trucks and railways and transported to the Ukrainian front lines.

However, the journey of these weapons was not without challenges. Russia relentlessly pounded these locations, causing significant destruction and loss of Western aid. Large quantities of the aid disappeared in flames and explosions, as more equipment poured into Ukrainian hands. It is difficult to estimate the exact amount of aid captured by the Russians, but it is clear that they acquired substantial quantities, which they occasionally turned against their former owners.

This book serves as a comprehensive guide to all missiles and rockets used by both sides in the conflict, including Russian ship-borne weapons and anti-ship missiles deployed with remarkable effectiveness by Ukraine against the Russian cruiser Moskva. It delves into the historical background, technical specifications, and operational impact of these weapons, providing valuable insights into the devastating consequences they have had on both military and civilian targets.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has showcased the immense power and destructive potential of rockets and missiles. While these weapons have played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war, their use has also raised profound ethical and humanitarian concerns. The international community must continue to work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and addressing the underlying issues that fuel it, including the protection of human rights and the promotion of diplomacy.

Weight: 954g
Dimension: 181 x 254 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399048101