S4

CONTENT
The guest today is Neale Smiles a former Gunner now working in the defence industry. Neale often posts his thoughts on military matters on LinkedIn and was a guest on pod 51 where we discussed “Guns, Rockets & Training For War”. So if you have an interest in all things artillery it is worth a listen. Even if you don't check it out as Ukraine is proving, Gunners are still one of the biggest killers on the contemporary battlespace. On this episode we discuss the Past, Present And Future Of Drones In The British Army. We cover:
1. The development of Artillery air OPs in WW2 .
2. The pioneering work using drones post war by the Royal Artillery.
3. Hermes 450 and Watchkeeper drones.
4. The Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance process known as ISTAR which is the activity of "equipping forces' with information and intelligence to assist in combat roles and other operational duties. This often derives from linked information networks which improve upon situational awareness".
5. Where drones currently operate in this space and more importantly where they perhaps could operate.
6. Should the Royal Artillery operate Watchkeeper.
7. Drones in Ukraine.
8. The future of drones in the British army.
No Desert Island Dits on this episode as Neale has been on before however we do discuss his current read "First To Fight - The Polish War 1939" by Roger Moorhouse.
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[@michaelmulligan0]

In fairness, if the West were using drones as both sides are in Ukraine what cheap mass produced weapon that has some anti-armour capability is available?
We aren’t going to take the round out of something like a AT4 / NLAW - I’d suggest only option is 40mm grenade

[@unconventionalsoldierpodcast]

Good point. You would think we would be able to come up with something. But then again.....

[@Augh98-nt2zn]

1 Yorks is testing the Urban Phalanx reorganisation for fighting in built-up areas. UAVs are used down at the infantry section level. This is common on both sides in Ukraine.

[@Augh98-nt2zn]

The war in Ukraine has torn up the rule book. The days of large scale armour formations and Artillery units operating over open ground are gone. Towed artillery is too vulnerable to UAVs and counter battery fire. Motorised systems and short fire missions before moving to another location seem to be the only way to survive.