Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi shows why artillery still matters in a drone fight

Ukraine is using artillery systems like the US-made HIMARS in key roles to take back territory from Russia in a major new operation. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Artillery is playing a key role in a major operation to push back Russian forces. Drones dominate the battlefield, but artillery is still proving indispensable. A lead combat unit said it used heavy artillery to stop Russia from bringing up reserves, equipment, and ammo. Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi, a major counteroffensive push to retake territory in the east, is showing that even as drones transform the battlefield , artillery remains an important tool for holding gains and keeping the enemy off balance. Unfolding near the city of Lyman, Operation Vivaldi has relied on drones and robotic systems , as well as some new battlefield tactics, to achieve key wins, but artillery has also been important to the operation's success.