Russia's Combat Technology in Urban Battlescape
In an episode of MWI's Urban Warfare Project Podcast, originally released in 2020, John Spencer was joined by Samuel Bendett, an analyst with the Center for Naval Analysis and an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. Bendett shared his insights on Russian technological advancements and their impact on urban combat.
Bendett emphasized that Russia views urban warfare as a critical element of modern conflicts, given the nature of many current and future battlefields. He highlighted advancements in Russian military technology tailored for urban combat, such as the integration of unmanned systems (drones and ground robots) designed for reconnaissance, target acquisition, and even combat roles within dense urban environments.
One of the key areas Bendett discussed was the development and deployment of robotic platforms that can navigate urban terrain to reduce soldier exposure and enhance situational awareness. He also pointed out improvements in Russian command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems (C4ISR), which help coordinate urban operations and allow for better real-time decision-making.
Bendett noted that experiences in conflicts like Syria and Ukraine have shaped how Russia adapts its tactics and technology for urban settings. He highlighted the emphasis on combined arms operations that integrate infantry, armor, artillery, and electronic warfare capabilities. Furthermore, he pointed out the integration of information operations and electronic warfare as part of urban combat strategies to disrupt adversary communications and morale.
Despite these advancements, Bendett acknowledged ongoing challenges Russia faces in urban combat, including the complexity of urban terrain and the presence of irregular forces. He described various unmanned aerial and ground vehicles Russia is experimenting with for urban combat, showcasing their commitment to leveraging advanced technology to maintain effectiveness in this challenging domain.
If you're interested in learning more about Russian defense and technology developments, we recommend subscribing to the Urban Warfare Project Podcast and leaving a review or rating if you're enjoying it. The podcast can be listened to in full below or found on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or your favorite podcast app.
The analyst, Samuel Bendett, discussed the significance of urban warfare in modern conflicts, noting Russia's advancements in military technology tailored for urban combat. These advancements include the use of unmanned systems for reconnaissance, target acquisition, and combat roles in dense urban environments. Bendett also highlighted improvements in Russian C4ISR systems for better coordination of urban operations and real-time decision-making.
