artilleri

Artilleri refers to the branch of land warfare that uses large-caliber weapons to deliver indirect fire over long distances. The core function is indirect fire, where guns and launch systems are positioned away from the front lines and target enemy forces, positions, and assets beyond direct line of sight. Common types include field guns, howitzers, mortars, and rocket artillery, along with self-propelled and towed systems.

History: Artilleri evolved from early siege cannons in the Middle Ages to breech-loaded and rifled pieces in the 19th century, enabling longer range and higher accuracy. The development of indirect-fire techniques, standardized ammunition, recoil mechanisms, and mechanization increased effectiveness in the 20th century. Postwar innovations introduced precision-guided munitions, longer-range missiles, and enhanced mobility.

Operations: Artilleri missions rely on observers and fire-control instruments to locate targets and predict ballistic trajectories. Targets include fortifications, troop concentrations, supply hubs, and areas requiring suppression. Ammunition variety includes high-explosive, fragmentation, illumination, smoke, armor-piercing, and, in some cases, guided shells and rockets. Modern systems may use GPS-guided rounds or smart munitions.

In contemporary armed forces, artilleri remains a core element of fire support due to its reach and firepower. It is complemented by reconnaissance, air power, and infantry operations, and is subject to counter-battery measures, logistical limits, and the need for rapid mobility and survivability.