RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter – 2024 / 2025 Edition 101 Transforming Artillery Resupply: The Impact of Self-Propelled Howitzers T HIS ARTICLE POSITS THAT THE A USTRALIAN A RMY IS CURRENTLY NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARED FOR THE AMMUNITION REQUIREMENTS OF MODERN WARFARE AND SUGGESTS IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING LOGISTICS SYSTEMS . Major Sophie Bentley, Battery Commander Combat Service Support Battery 4th Regiment RAA Introduction Logistical support for artillery regiments and future divisional fires echelons is a critical aspect of combat service support (CSS) that has not been adequately tested in recent operations or exercises. Sustaining artillery during large scale combat op 1 erations (LSCO) involves a range of complexities that are often oversimplified under the term 'distribution', failing to capture the nuances inherent in their execution. 2 To effectively support artillery in LSCO, the Australian Army needs to adapt its logistics approach to address these complexities, ensuring robust and responsive systems for ammunition resupply that meet the demands of modern warfare. Currently, the Australian Army, in its setup and training, is not adequately prepared for the ammunition requirements of LSCO. This paper will explore key considerations for resupplying artillery, focusing on the current challenges in the approach to artillery ammunition resupply and the new challenges posed by the adoption of self-propelled artillery. It will then examine key lessons from Ukraine and conclude with recommendations on how these insights can be adapted to enhance the Australian Army's logistical strategies. Current Challenges in Artillery Resupply Resupplying artillery is a multifaceted process involving various organisations, from the Force Support Group (FSG) to brigade headquarters (Bde HQ), the Brigade Support Group (BSG), and A2/A1 echelons. This process demands a high level of integration and synchronisation, far beyond traditional ‘push’ and ‘pull’ distribution concepts. 3 The current challenges include: Materiel complexities: Today’s artillery ammunition is inherently complex due to the increased number of different components, such as charges, fuzes, and shells, that a typical battery may fire. These components exist in uneven quantity, are expended at irregular rates, and demand storage and transport requirements that are unique to other combat arms. Add on top of this the complexities of the gun components, such a barrel life and hydraulic systems. Together these complexities create a difficult challenge for logisticians. Complexity and Integration: Effective resupply requires understanding the concept of fires to anticipate demand accurately, including munition types. This necessitates highly effective communication across logistic echelons from the national supply base through to the fire unit. Communication across levels of command and support is currently hindered by a lack of exposure and training among CSS planners. 4 Preparedness and Pre-loading: Sustaining artillery demands the movement of vast quantities of stores, particularly of ammunition. Therefore, allocating dedicated distribution assets to prepare, pre-load, and transport artillery supplies (CLVArty) is essential. This step ensures that stocks are staged forward in CSS nodes to mitigate risks and prevent supply shortages at critical moments. 5 However, this need must be balanced with the requirement to maintain a mobile and resilient logistics footprint capable of surviving in highly contested battlespaces. Doctrine and Terminology: Refining existing doctrine to standardise concepts and terminology is crucial. Establishing basic loads of common CLVArty types based on operational effects will reduce friction between fires and CSS staff, ensuring smoother operations. 6 Key Considerations for AS9 Self- Propelled Artillery Logistics The introduction of the AS9 Huntsman into the Australian Army will bring new logistical requirements and challenges. Key considerations include: • Mobility and Speed : Unlike the Army’s current fleet of towed systems, the AS9 will see artillery move faster and at greater depths into the battlespace. This will necessitate a more dynamic and responsive logistics chain if the Australian Army wishes to realise the potential of the new equipment, as resupply