Simplicius’ new article is far too long to summarize in any detail, but it’s a must read for anyone who wants to understand the warfare in Ukraine and to develop a feel for evaluating reporting:
Simplicius provides a detailed explanation of the use and effectiveness of Depleted Uranium (DU) rounds. For example, he explains that tungsten rods are actually more effective than DU, but are far more expensive. He also explains—and provides math to back up his argument—that DU is not harmless, when used extensively. As was done to Iraq by the US. The effect can, indeed, be equivalent to that of a dirty bomb.
Simplicius then proceeds to a much lengthier discussion of all aspects of mine warfare, which has in certain important sectors (Vuhledar) have forced Russian offensives to a halt. That may surprise many readers—like me—with only a general understanding of mines. The mines of today are nothing like what they were not that long ago. For example, in addition to pressure triggered mines of the more or less traditional sort, there are now widely used mines detonated by electro-magnetic mechanisms. Simplicius goes into the methods for dealing with each type—as well as for dealing with mixtures of the two types. It’s not easy. And that goes a long way to explaining the slow pace of Russian advances.
Check it out.
All should keep in mind that DU or tungsten rounds are only effective munitions when facing other tanks. They are tank killers only. Alternatively if you had to punch thru a lot of concrete, they would also work. They are waste of time against anything else, i.e, no explosions. A wikipedia search will lead to the hazard from DU is heavy metal toxicity in the kidneys when exposed to DU through open cuts or wounds from schrapnel. All other reporting about various health effects in Iraq is illiterate propaganda with regards to DU.
I was under the impression that US Army Armor and Cav units had transitioned from depleted uranium rounds to tungsten at the turn of the century, for reasons discussed in this article. In short they didnt want to fire DU rounds at target ranges anymore because they didnt want to risk radiation poisoning. I have no idea what the dynamics are with the UK and their Challenger rounds are, but if the USA is providing depleted uranium rounds to the Ukraine, I would imagine those rounds are surplus from nearly 2 decades ago. Of course, we could just not be providing tank ammo period because our stuff doesnt match the Challenger ammo. Our ammo would match Leopard 2 guns, however, since the M1A1 Abrams and later has the same tank gun as the Leopard. Its a confusing picture, not because any of these technical details are particularly important to what is going on in the field, but because whatever ammo is being fielded gives us a hint as to what stockpiles are still built up in NATO armories.