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Things have taken a rough turn for Ukrainian forces. Recent reports suggest they might have lost a couple of their heavy hitters: at least 2 American-made Abrams tanks and 1 Swedish Archer artillery gun. While both losses undoubtedly deal a blow to Ukraine's military muscle, the burning Archer might leave a deeper, more lasting scar in the long run. In February, the M1 Abrams tank, a formidable weapon in Ukraine's arsenal, suffered significant losses near Avdiivka, Ukraine. The first tank was hit, with its blowout panels preventing a bigger disaster. Russia claimed the destruction as a victory, though the fate of the crew remains unknown. Conflicting reports suggest a reconnaissance drone may have initiated the attack, followed by a grenade launcher. Shortly after, another Abrams was reportedly destroyed by a Russian T-72B3 tank. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities of even advanced tanks, such as the Abrams, particularly to drone attacks, and emphasize the importance of tactics that exploit these weaknesses. In addition to the Abrams losses, Ukraine also reportedly lost a valuable asset, the FH77BW Archer self-propelled howitzer. This artillery piece, mounted on a Volvo truck, combines mobility, firepower, and precision. Its ability to quickly move into position and fire a variety of shells, including Excalibur guided munitions, make it a significant asset. With its automated features, the Archer requires only a small crew, enhancing its flexibility and adaptability on the battlefield. The loss of these Archers, which can target enemies from a distance and quickly relocate, is seen as a significant blow to Ukraine's firepower, as each Archer is considered a valuable asset due to their limited numbers.
