The heaviest and most advanced field artillery today

Current trends in towed field artillery focus on increasing range (utilizing large 155 mm caliber), integrating digital automation, and achieving extreme mobility through the use of advanced materials like titanium.

Below are some of the heaviest, most sophisticated, and deadliest towed artillery systems in the world today:

ATAGS

1. ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) – India

The ATAGS currently holds the title as one of the most advanced, heaviest, and longest-range towed artillery systems in the world.

• Weight & Size: Falls into the "very heavy" category (approximately 18 tons).

• Key Sophistication: It is the world’s first towed artillery system to employ an all-electric drive, replacing traditional hydraulic systems. This feature powers automated ammunition handling and enables rapid adjustment of the barrel’s elevation.

• Combat Performance: Equipped with a 155 mm/52-caliber barrel and an extra-large 25-liter firing chamber, it is capable of firing long-range ammunition up to 48 kilometers. The system also features a 6-round magazine, allowing for "burst fire" (5 rounds in 30 seconds).

M777A2

2. M777A2 – United States / United Kingdom

Despite its "lightweight" designation, the M777A2 is still categorized as heavy artillery in terms of destructive power, as it utilizes the standard NATO 155 mm caliber. On the modern battlefield, it is recognized as one of the deadliest artillery systems.

• Weight: Exceptionally light for its class (only 4.2 tons), thanks to a structure built from titanium and high-grade aluminum. • Key Sophistication: The A2 variant is equipped with an advanced Digital Fire Control System (DFCS). This feature enables GPS integration, allowing for the firing of M982 Excalibur smart munitions.

• Combat Performance: Capable of destroying targets with high-precision accuracy at ranges of up to 40 km. Its lightweight design ensures high mobility, as it can be transported by helicopters (such as the CH-47 Chinook) to facilitate rapid "hit-and-run" tactics.

Denel G5

3. Denel G5-2000 – South Africa

The G5 howitzer family, manufactured by Denel Land Systems, is legendary in the realm of long-range artillery. Its modern iteration, the G5-2000, remains one of the most substantial conventional towed artillery systems.

• Weight: Reaches 17.5 tons, with a barrel length of nearly 14.5 meters.

• Key Sophistication: Equipped with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)—a small, secondary engine—that allows this heavy piece of ordnance to move under its own power at low speeds, facilitating tactical repositioning without the need for a towing vehicle.

• Combat Performance: Features a 155 mm/52-caliber barrel. By utilizing specialized VLAP (Velocity Enhanced Long Range Projectile) ammunition, this howitzer can strike targets at an impressive range of 54 to 60 km.

2A65 Msta-B

4. 2A65 Msta-B – Russia

This system serves as the backbone of Russia’s heavy towed artillery and is currently undergoing intensive, large-scale combat testing on the battlefield in Ukraine.

• Weight: Approximately 7 tons, utilizing the standard Eastern Bloc caliber (152 mm).

• Key Sophistication: While its exterior may appear conventional, modern versions have been integrated with computerized digital fire-control systems and muzzle velocity radar. • Combat Performance: Capable of firing precision laser-guided Krasnopol projectiles. On the modern battlefield, the Msta-B is integrated directly with reconnaissance drones (UAVs) to generate real-time, lethal firing coordinates. It has been battle-tested in high-intensity combat.

• With an operational range of 29–36 km.

Australia was once terrorized by AURI bombers!

A secret infiltration mission by an AURI (Indonesian Air Force) Tupolev Tu-16 "Badger A" bomber into the heart of the Australian continent in mid-1963 stands as one of the most daring psychological warfare operations in Indonesian military history.

The detailed account of this covert mission is recorded in history as follows:

1. Background and Secret Orders

In mid-1963, tensions surrounding *Operasi Dwikora* (the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation) were at their peak. Australia, as a member of the British Commonwealth, openly supported Malaysia and assisted in strengthening air defenses in the region.

To issue a stern warning against further Australian interference, the leadership of the AURI devised a special operation. They deployed three Tu-16 bombers. Two aircraft were sent to the Malaysian territories (Sarawak, Sandakan, and Kinabalu) to drop propaganda leaflets. The third aircraft, however, was assigned the most perilous mission: to fly deep into the Australian continent.

2. Brief Preparation and a Unique Cargo

The mission was led by Air Commodore Suwondo (who later retired with the rank of Air Vice Marshal). Shortly before the operation, the entire crew was summoned to Wing 003 at Iswahjudi Air Force Base in Madiun—around 11:00 PM Western Indonesian Time—for an impromptu briefing.

One of the crew members, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Sjahroemsjah—who served as a gunner—recounted that the pilot simply instructed them to gather, bringing only water, without providing much explanation. It was only upon assembling that they learned their destination was Australia. Unlike a typical bombing mission, the payload carried by the Tu-16 on this occasion did not consist of destructive bombs, but rather military logistical supplies, including:

• Military-grade parachutes

• Communication/radio equipment

• Canned food rations

• All of these items were intentionally marked with clear labels reading: "Made in Indonesia."

3. Stealthy Flight Beneath Radar (Sea Skimming)

At precisely 01:00 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), the roar of the Tu-16’s twin Mikulin AM-3M jet engines shattered the silence at Iswahjudi Air Force Base. The aircraft took off into the darkness, heading south across the Indian Ocean.

To evade Australian air defense radar, Air Commodore Suwondo piloted the massive bomber using a "sea-skimming" technique—flying at an extremely low altitude just above the sea surface. This method is exceptionally hazardous for an aircraft the size of a Tu-16, as even the slightest navigational error could cause it to strike the water. Nevertheless, the maneuver succeeded in keeping the Tu-16’s silhouette below the horizon of the adversary’s radar detection range.

4. Drop Zone: Alice Springs

The designated drop zone for the cargo was Alice Springs, a small town situated at the very geographic center—the heart—of the Australian continent.

The choice of Alice Springs was not arbitrary. Although this desert region was under strict surveillance and monitoring, the Indonesian Tu-16 managed to penetrate the area completely undetected. Upon reaching the coordinates for Alice Springs, the bomb bay doors were opened, and the supplies—complete with their "Made in Indonesia" labels—were parachuted down onto Australian soil.

The psychological message behind this mission was devastatingly clear: "If we can drop canned food and radios at the very heart of your territory without being detected, we could just as easily drop bombs whenever we choose." 

5. Returning to Madiun at the Crack of Dawn

Having successfully jettisoned its payload, Suwondo immediately turned the aircraft around for the return flight. Because the return route took a wide detour for security reasons, dawn had already broken by the time the Tu-16 approached the island of Java.

The aircraft landed safely back at Iswahjudi Air Force Base in Madiun at approximately 08:00 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), with the sun already well above the horizon. Throughout the mission, Australia’s air defense system—including its F-86 Sabre interceptors and Bristol Bloodhound surface-to-air missiles—remained completely unaware of the intrusion.

6. Impact and Panic in Australia

The following day, when the Australian military discovered Indonesian military equipment scattered across the desert near Alice Springs, it caused an uproar among both military officials and the general public. They were shocked that their supposedly sophisticated radar system had been bypassed by an Indonesian strategic bomber.

This psychological warfare mission was a resounding success. The psychological impact of this daring flight forced Australia to completely overhaul its air defense strategy and think twice about engaging in an open, direct confrontation with the Indonesian military during that era.

Advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) Today

Among the advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in service today are the Israeli-made Eitan and the Finnish-made Patria AMV XP, alongside other modern contenders such as the P2 Tiger (a collaboration between PT SSE of Indonesia and Texelis of France).

1. Israeli Eitan APC (8x8)

• Key Technology: Incorporates technology derived from the Merkava main battle tank and the Namer combat vehicle; equipped with the Rafael-developed Trophy active protection system (APS).

• Mobility & Engine: Powered by an MTU 6V890 turbo-diesel engine producing 750 hp. Maximum speed: 90 km/h.

• Protection: Features the Iron Fist Light Decoupled APS, capable of intercepting RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and kinetic energy projectiles via a radar-based detection system. Meets STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, utilizing NERA (Non-Explosive Reactive Armor). The V-shaped hull is designed to withstand blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT.

• Capacity: Carries up to 12 personnel (9 soldiers plus crew).

> Primary Armament: Base APC variant: Samson Remote Weapon Station (RCWS) equipped with a 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

IFV variant: Turret-mounted 30 mm or 40 mm automatic cannon.

> Secondary Armament: 7.62 mm NATO pintle-mounted machine gun.

> Integrated with Spike anti-tank guided missile (ATGW) launchers (on the IFV variant).

2. Patria AMV XP (8x8)

• Origin: Finland (manufactured globally and under local license; notably used by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force/JGSDF). • Advantages: Possesses a strong battle-proven track record in various extreme terrains (such as Afghanistan), a high-end independent suspension system, and modular ballistic protection that can be adapted to counter threats ranging from RPGs to modern landmines.

> Weapon Configuration: Highly modular. It can be equipped with medium-caliber weapon systems, direct-fire cannons up to 120 mm, or the Patria Nemo 120 mm dual-mortar system.

Secondary armament: A secondary Protector RWS (Remote Weapon Station) or anti-tank/anti-aircraft missiles.

> Supports the integration of various types of global Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs).

> Protection: Compatible with modern Active Defense Systems (ADS); features low-radar-emission technology and thermal-stealth sensors.

Rated at STANAG 4569 Level K5+ (exceptionally thick for a wheeled vehicle). Mine protection exceeds Level 4a/4b; includes IED resistance and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) defense.

> Engine: Scania diesel engine producing 603 hp (450 kW). Maximum speed: >100 km/h (includes amphibious capability at 6–10 km/h).

> Personnel Capacity: Up to 12–13 individuals, depending on the weapon turret configuration and internal module layout.

3. P2 Tiger (4x4) — A Collaborative Effort Between Indonesia and France

• Origin: Developed by PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya (PT SSE) in Tangerang, in partnership with Texelis (France).

• Protection & Weight: Weighs 18 tons with protection standards ranging from STANAG 4569 Level 2 to Level 4 (depending on the mission configuration). Utilizes a monocoque hull design based on French military protection standards. • Engine: 8.9L Cummins diesel engine producing 375 hp, paired with an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum speed is approximately 100–110 km/h.

> Weapon configuration: Features an integrated tactical Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) capable of mounting machine guns ranging from 7.62 mm to 12.7 mm. It can also be configured as an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).

Secondary armament: Smoke grenade launchers for tactical defense and crew protection.

> Capacity: 10 personnel (2 primary crew members + up to 8 infantry troops).

Summary of Combat Characteristics

• The Eitan APC excels in active protection, particularly in urban environments; it was specifically designed based on the IDF’s intensive urban combat experience (utilizing the Iron Fist Active Protection System—APS—to neutralize RPGs before they strike the vehicle’s hull).

• The Patria AMV XP excels in terms of firepower modularity. This combat vehicle can be rapidly reconfigured for different roles, including as a mobile artillery system, thanks to its capacity to support heavy turrets—such as the 120 mm Nemo rapid-fire mortar system.

• The P2 Tiger (by PT SSE) excels in rapid tactical mobility (interoperability). With a weight of 18 tons and a 4x4 configuration, it is highly agile, allowing it to navigate narrow roads or cross light-duty bridges. Furthermore, two P2 Tiger units can be loaded simultaneously into an Airbus A400M military transport aircraft for rapid aerial deployment.

Gulf Wars and the iconic military weapon system used

The Gulf Wars refer to a series of major military conflicts in the Persian Gulf region involving Iraq as a primary actor. The numbering of these wars often varies slightly between Western literature and general historical accounts.
Below is a summary of Gulf Wars 1, 2, and 3, along with the iconic military weapon system used in each:


1. Gulf War I (1980–1988)

F-14 Tomcat (Iran)

• Description: Also known as the Iran-Iraq War. The conflict was triggered by disputes over the strategic Shatt al-Arab waterway, rivalry for dominance in the Gulf, and Iraqi concerns regarding the spread of Iran's Islamic Revolution. The war lasted eight years and ended without a clear victor via a UN-brokered ceasefire.
• Notable Military Hardware Used:
• F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet (Iran): Used by Iran to dominate airspace and intercept Iraqi jets. Iran was the only foreign nation to acquire this aircraft from the US prior to the revolution.
• MiG-25 & Mirage F1 Fighter Jets (Iraq): Used by Iraq to launch air strikes against Iranian oil facilities.

MiG-25 (Iraq)

Mirage F1 (Iraq)

• Scud Missiles (Iraq): Soviet-made ballistic missiles used by Iraq to bombard Iranian cities during the "War of the Cities."
• Chemical Weapons (Iraq): Iraq employed nerve agents (such as Sarin and Tabun) and mustard gas on a large scale to halt waves of mass Iranian infantry attacks.

Scud Missile (Iraq)

2. Gulf War II (1990–1991)

M1A1 Abram MBT

• Description: Known globally as "The Gulf War" or Operation Desert Storm. This war broke out after Iraq invaded Kuwait following disputes over debt and oil production. A US-led coalition force subsequently launched a massive military operation to expel Iraq from Kuwait.
• Notable Military Hardware Used:
• M1A1 Abrams Tank (US): The coalition's main battle tank, which dominated legendary ground engagements such as the Battle of 73 Easting, easily defeating Iraqi T-72 tanks.
• Tomahawk Cruise Missile (US): A long-range missile fired from warships and submarines in the Persian Gulf to precisely destroy Iraqi air defenses early in the war.

Tomahawk Cruise Missile

• F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Jet (US): The first stealth aircraft used extensively to penetrate Baghdad's dense air defenses without radar detection.
• MIM-104 Patriot Air Defense System (US): Renowned for its active role in intercepting and destroying Scud missiles fired by Iraq at Saudi Arabia and Israel.

F-117 Nighthawk

Patriot Missile

 
• AH-64 Apache Helicopter & A-10 Thunderbolt II Jet (US): "Tank busters" that disabled thousands of Iraqi armored vehicles in the desert.

AH-64 Apache

3. Gulf War III (2003–2011)


• Description: Also known as the 2003 Invasion of Iraq or the Iraq War. The United States and its allies invaded Iraq, alleging that Saddam Hussein's regime possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and supported terrorism. Saddam Hussein's regime was successfully overthrown within weeks, yet the conflict dragged on for years as a guerrilla war against insurgents until the U.S. withdrew its troops in 2011.
• Notable Military Hardware Used:
• Bradley & Stryker Armored Vehicles (U.S.): Widely used for infantry mobility in Iraqi urban areas prone to landmines and guerrilla attacks.

Stryker

Bradley

 
• MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) (U.S.): Increasingly deployed for reconnaissance (aerial surveillance) and precision airstrikes using Hellfire missiles against insurgent leaders.

MQ-1 Predator

JDAM Smart Bombs

• JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) Smart Bombs (U.S.): GPS-guided kits that converted conventional bombs into precision munitions, used by the coalition to destroy Iraqi defensive bunkers and command centers with high accuracy.
• IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) (Iraqi Insurgents): Although not official military hardware, these roadside bombs became the deadliest and most iconic weapons, destroying thousands of coalition military vehicles during the guerrilla warfare phase.