artillerie

Artillery refers to large-caliber weapons that deliver indirect fire at range, typically from beyond the target's line of sight. It includes guns, howitzers, mortars, rocket artillery, and guided munitions used by land forces. The primary roles are to destroy or suppress enemy personnel and fortifications, disrupt supply and communications, create smoke screens, and provide fire support for manoeuvre. Artillery units are organized into regiments or battalions and operate with observers and fire-control teams to coordinate fires.

Historically, artillery evolved from early gunpowder bombardment in China and the Middle East to European siege and field artillery. Distinctions emerged among guns (long-range, direct fire), howitzers (lobbing shells at higher angles), and mortars (short-range, high-angle). The advent of rifling, breech-loading, and improved recoil mechanisms increased range and rate of fire. The 20th century saw motorization, self-propelled artillery, and rocket systems that enhanced mobility and saturation fire.

Modern artillery comprises field artillery (towed and self-propelled), anti-aircraft artillery, and coastal artillery. Key differences are caliber, mobility, and fire-control integration. Self-propelled artillery vehicles combine chassis and gun in one system; towed guns require prime movers. Fire-control advances, including ballistic computers, rangefinders, meteorology, forward observers, and digital networks, allow rapid, accurate fire missions. Rockets and missiles, as well as guided rounds, extend reach and precision.

Artillery remains a central element of land warfare, providing sustained indirect fire, counter-battery capability, and fire support for manoeuvre. It operates with logistics, air defense, and reconnaissance assets; advances in sensors, drones, and networking have further integrated artillery into combined-arms operations. International law regulates its use to protect civilians and distinguish military targets.