PDF

Future Indirect Fires Eastern Europe will look at ways to strengthen NATO’s collective defence readiness and allied presence on the eastern flank and brings together the artillery community, from military capability developers and operational users to industry experts drawn from across the artillery ecosystem to address the challenges in the region.

>> Download the full programme here

In this interview, Colonel Roman Bobal, chief of artillery for Slovak armed forces, delves into the current transformation of recreating an artillery brigade. He draws upon lessons from Ukraine, logistical challenges and opportunities, geopolitical realities and how they inform the choices of the Slovakian forces. A valuable piece for understanding the inner thought processes of artillery units.

Download the latest attendee list here>> 

Defence IQ has the privilege to share Colonel Sergei Baranov presentation. As Chief of the Main Directorate of Artillery, Missiles and UAVs General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, few people are more knowledgeable and can talk as freely on the topic of Artillery in Ukraine. He will be a returning speaker for Future Indirect Fires Eastern Europe 2023. This presentation delivers:

• A comparison of Ukrainian and Russian platforms,
• Evaluation of different weapon systems performance,
• The impact of enemy Electronic Warfare.

The need for modernised artillery has been augmented by the UKR/RUS conflict. The ability to find, fix, track target, engage and assess as efficiently as possible has proven to be a deciding factor for artillery success. Dr Bosbotinis shares his views on the Ukrainian artillery war, delving into battlefield observations and highlighting the various programmes in the region. This is a must read for anyone interested in artillery and the modernisation efforts led by NATO nations on the Eastern Flank. 

In light of the uncertain security context of the region, the push for Eastern European countries to replace their ageing artillery capabilities and modernise current fleets is highlighted by a lot of acquisition activity. The focus is primarily on procuring systems compatible with NATO standards, and ones that enable a longer range target engagement.

Ahead of this year’s Future Indirect Fires Eastern Europe, Defence IQ compiled a map featuring updates on current programmes, key procurement plans and requirements for future acquisitions of the region.

Download the map now >>

Estonia’s massive military modernisation on its indirect fires capability is putting the spotlight on the nation’s willingness to improve its interoperability with allied countries, highlighted by the recent purchase of Korean-built K9 Thunder self-propelled 155-millimeter howitzers with ammunition compatible with NATO standards.

Defence IQ gained exclusive insight from Major General Indrek Sirel, Deputy Commander, Estonian Defence Forces and key speaker of this year’s Future Indirect Fires Eastern Europe, who discusses the core priorities of the nation’s Fires modernisation plans in terms of capability development, improving NATO’s Eastern Flank’s readiness and integrating digital fires across the Alliance.

Download the piece now >>