January 22, 2025

Ukraine received first L/70 automatic guns to fight drones

4 min read

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Contemplating its dimensions, Lithuania is one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine in its attempts to protect towards the ongoing Russian invasion. Now Ukraine has received various Bofors 40 mm Automated Guns L/70, which will assist shoot down enemy’s drones. It is not a new weapon, but it is surely an productive one particular.

On February 11th, Lithuania’s Minister of Countrywide Protection Arvydas Anušauskas declared that the first batch of L/70 anti-aircraft guns arrived in Ukraine. It is in essence a large 40 mm equipment gun, built to shoot down aerial targets – helicopters and planes.

Today planes can evade this sort of weapons, but the L/70 ought to not be ignored, because it is nevertheless a person of the most well-liked units of this type. Regardless of the point that it was designed in the 1940’s.

Big shells flying out of the Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/70.

Significant shells traveling out of the Bofors 40 mm Computerized Gun L/70. Picture credit rating: Ministério da Defesa by way of Wikimedia (CC BY 2.)

The Bofors 40 mm Automated Gun L/70 was created in 1946-1950 and entered provider in 1952. Even so, it is surely not an antique weapon – the L/70 is however being created (even though Ukraine has gained more mature weapons from Lithuania).

It is a towed multi-purpose autocannon, created in Sweden to swap comparable profitable WW2 weapons. With its carriage, it weighs practically 5 tonnes, but is mild ample to be transported by standard vans and off-street vehicles. Although the initial purpose of the L/70 gun was to shoot aerial targets (like planes, helicopters, and these types of), it progressed into a multi-reason weapon capable of firing equally sabot projectiles and programmable ammunition.

It can be successful in opposition to evenly (and not so lightly) armored machinery. But Ukraine is probably to use these techniques to protect its vital infrastructure in opposition to the Russian drone assaults.

Suicide drones are rather slow, but they are also small. Losing missiles to choose them down is a final-vacation resort remedy. In numerous situations, the L/70 would be a a lot more effective defensive weapon versus such drone and, potentially, cruise missile attacks. It is not like the L/70 lacks firepower.

Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/70 on a wheeled carriage for towing. Image credit: Ultra7 via <a rel=Wikimedia”” width=584 peak=410 knowledge-ezsrcset=”https://www.technologies.org/texorgwp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/boforsl70-720×506.jpg 720w, https://www.technological innovation.org/texorgwp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/boforsl70-400×281.jpg 400w, https://www.technological innovation.org/texorgwp/wp-written content/uploads/2023/03/boforsl70-768×540.jpg 768w, https://www.technological know-how.org/texorgwp/wp-material/uploads/2023/03/boforsl70-427×300.jpg 427w, https://www.technological innovation.org/texorgwp/wp-written content/uploads/2023/03/boforsl70.jpg 1024w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” knowledge-ezsrc=https://www.technological know-how.org/texorgwp/wp-material/uploads/2023/03/boforsl70-720×506.jpg>

The L/70 fires 40 × 365 mm R cartridges. That is a 36.5 cm long cartridge – locate on your own a long ruler and see how large that is. Furthermore, the amount of fireplace is remarkable – 240, 300 or 330 rounds for every moment helps make this weapon exceptionally effective. At last, it is worth mentioning that the productive array of the L/70 automatic gun is up to 12.5 kilometers, dependent on the ammunition made use of.

The L/70 is coming to Ukraine from Lithuania, but these automated guns are in company in so several diverse international locations, such as France, Italy (Italians make them on their own), Netherlands, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, and other people. This must suggest that there is a lot of ammunition and aid for these systems.

 

Resources: Defence-ua.com , Wikipedia



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Source website link On October 16, 2020, Ukraine received the first delivery of “L/70” automatic guns in order to improve its ability to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) flying over its territory.

Developed by top Swedish weapon manufacturer Bofors, the L/70 anti-air capabilities are rated to engage targets at a relatively large area of firepower within 11km, much further than any lead-based fire-based anti-air guns. It is designed to bring down drones in a cost effective and accurate way, not only providing a shooting efficiency of 99.8%, but also making sure to keep blanks, shrapnel and other dangerous flying materials out of harm’s way.

The issue of countering drones for military defense has been at the forefront of technology for the past few years. With UAVs becoming an increasingly popular and consistent tool in the battlefield, countries with limited resources have been looking to find reliable solutions to help them defend against them.

It remains to be seen how effective this L/70 system will be, but the delivery of said guns to Ukraine highlights the country’s efforts to acquire the most advanced technologies to protect its airspace. The decision to invest in the L/70 is a clear signal of Ukraine’s determination to protect the well being of its citizens and its national security objectives.

For the time being, the L/70 remains a formidable tool in the fight against drones, with its cost effective and relatively high performance rating. Should this system prove to be as effective as expected, countries with limited resources but large air defense requirements may turn to these guns in the future as a viable option.