About this Unit
The Counter Battery Radar (CBR) unit is a specialized military formation tasked with detecting and locating enemy artillery positions using advanced radar technology. Originally developed during the Cold War, these units grew in importance as artillery duels became a decisive factor on modern battlefields. CBR units employ sophisticated radar systems to track incoming projectiles, calculate their trajectories, and pinpoint firing locations, enabling rapid and accurate counter-fire missions. Over time, the CBR unit has become an essential component of artillery and air defense formations, significantly enhancing battlefield awareness and force protection.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in the Cold War: The concept of counter-battery radar (CBR) emerged during the Cold War, as artillery became a primary threat on the battlefield. Early systems were developed to quickly detect and locate enemy artillery positions.
•
First Deployed Systems: The United States Army deployed the AN/MPQ-4 as one of the first dedicated counter-battery radars in the 1950s, significantly improving their ability to respond to enemy fire.
•
How CBR Works: Counter-battery radars detect the trajectory of incoming artillery shells, mortars, or rockets, and use this data to calculate the point of origin, allowing for rapid counter-fire.
•
Vietnam War Impact: During the Vietnam War, CBR technology helped US forces to locate and neutralize enemy mortar teams, saving countless lives and altering enemy tactics.
•
Multiple Modern Systems: Modern armies use a variety of CBR systems such as the US AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-53, Russia’s Zoopark-1, and the UK’s MAMBA, each with unique features and capabilities.
•
Role in Ukraine Conflict: Counter-battery radars have played a crucial role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, enabling both sides to conduct rapid counter-artillery operations and shaping the dynamics of artillery duels.
•
Accuracy and Speed: Modern CBR units can detect and locate enemy artillery positions within seconds after a round is fired, with accuracy often within tens of meters.
•
Electronic Warfare Threats: Counter-battery radars are prime targets for enemy electronic warfare and anti-radiation missiles, leading to the development of mobile and stealthier radar units.
•
Integration with Artillery Units: Many military doctrines integrate CBR units closely with artillery batteries, enabling a rapid, coordinated response to enemy fire and improving overall battlefield survivability.
•
Human Stories: In the Gulf War, US counter-battery radar operators were credited with saving coalition lives by detecting and neutralizing Iraqi artillery within minutes, often before they could fire a second salvo.
