Ukraine Destroys Over 10,000 Russian Artillery Systems in 2024

From January 1 to October 1, 2024, Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully eliminated 10,373 Russian artillery systems, equating to the destruction of 144 artillery brigades.

This assessment comes from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, which estimates the total value of the destroyed artillery at over $8 billion based on open-source information and global average weapon prices.

One of the most significant days of losses for Russian forces occurred on September 22, when Ukrainian forces neutralized 81 artillery systems in a single day, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense further emphasized that the destroyed artillery, including self-propelled guns, howitzers, and other artillery pieces, represent one of the costliest losses of military equipment in the ongoing Russia’s war against Ukraine. These weapons are now deemed beyond repair.

While the Russian military’s financial losses in artillery are substantial, the Ministry also highlighted the opportunity cost, noting that $8 billion could have been redirected towards domestic social programs. For instance, these funds could have built 13 modern sports arenas or 18 advanced medical facilities equipped with the latest diagnostic technologies.

Russia’s overall losses in Ukraine have been severe, with the Ministry of Defense reporting significant personnel and equipment casualties since the start of the full-scale invasion. As of now, Russia has lost an estimated 671,400 military personnel, alongside numerous tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems.