Insights Into Amphibious Combat From a Scarcely Experienced Conflict: abundant lessons can be drawn
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Black Sea region has emerged as a crucial battleground. Despite Russia's naval dominance in the region, it has not undertaken a large-scale amphibious landing during its invasion of Ukraine.
The primary reason for this is the strong Ukrainian coastal defenses, which have effectively blocked Russian naval access and denied control of coastal waters necessary for a safe and effective amphibious assault. Land-based anti-ship missile systems and naval mines have been instrumental in keeping the Russian Black Sea Fleet at a distance, preventing Russia from establishing a maritime blockade or sea control needed for amphibious landings.
Ukraine has also employed drones such as Bayraktar UAVs to disrupt Russian resupply boats and naval logistics, further complicating Russian amphibious operations. The operational experience and caution exhibited by Russia, following setbacks from Ukrainian attacks and the risk posed by Ukrainian coastal defenses, have led Russia to focus its Black Sea Fleet operations mostly on land strikes rather than amphibious landings.
The strategic context also plays a significant role. Russia controls Crimea and has a naval presence, but the inability to secure sea lanes and protect landing forces from Ukrainian coastal defenses and drones has limited amphibious actions, despite the strategic advantage of the Black Sea region.
The sinking of the Russian cruiser Moskva by Ukrainian forces made international headlines, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ukraine's coastal defenses. The Ukrainian military has also claimed to have damaged a modern Russian missile-armed patrol boat, the Vasily Bykov, with BM-21 Grad 122-millimeter multiple-launch rocket systems.
As the conflict continues, the United States has pledged to deliver at least one hundred Switchblade loitering munitions to Ukraine, which, even though less advanced than some antiship missiles, could prove effective against Russian ships. The calls to provide Ukraine with antiship missiles, such as the Harpoon, are growing louder, with reports suggesting that the United Kingdom may supply these missiles.
In conclusion, the lack of naval sea control caused by Ukraine’s strong coastal defenses and disruptive drone warfare is the primary reason why Russia has not conducted large-scale amphibious landings in the conflict, despite having a Black Sea Fleet and conducive geography. The resilience and preparedness of Ukrainian defenses have significantly impacted the strategic landscape of the Black Sea region, forcing Russia to reconsider its amphibious assault plans.
Read also:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Independence supporters in New Caledonia refuse agreement offering authority without a vote on sovereignty
