HIMARS will add complication to Russia’s missile and radar logistics. They will have to move them more often, meaning the time and resources to choose new sites, insuring those sites are safe, more fuel usage, more personnel vehicle movement, and less security from other kinetics.
Just saw a vid today of an observation tower going down, and the speculation is was some type of drone. No, almost certainly cutting charges placed by a SOF or sapper team. Larger blast than say a Switchblade, no obvious vehicle debris, and a controlled fall.
As far as it being an observation tower, that is my opinion. Its geometry height, (compared to the security fence) and location is suggestive of that.
Interesting that it blew at noon (no shadows). This could be to enhance damage assessment, although that seems odd, or maybe sending a message of sorts.
I think I know the video. How much explosive do you think they would need to bring it down?
A couple of C4 bricks on the fall legs, and another brick kicker on the other side higher on the tower. This depends on the leg construction, but is probably close. Det cord could also be used, but would take more time to place.
Are the bricks a standard size, like 8 ounces or something?
1.25 lbs is a typical size.
I also think it was more of a target of opportunity than one of deep planning.
Roughly 40 percent of our targets are ones of opportunity. And, we carry the capability to take-down such a tower. We don’t carry it for that reason, but explosives are pretty flexible.
I rarely go anywhere without some kinetic sauce.
Of course, I could be wrong. But, I did enhance the blast wave on my tablet, and it was pretty large, but very clean and low residue. This suggests packaged HE, not a flying machine.
However, on that note, I do remember from some years ago an effort at a LRM (low residue munition), which was to construct as many parts of a missile or drone from a plastic/explosive matrix. Doubt something like that is in play here.
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