Podcast Discussion on Erupted Cold Wars

The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, a recent conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, offers valuable lessons about ground combat on the modern battlefield. Dr. Jack Watling, a research fellow for land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute, closely studied this conflict.

Dr. Watling's research reveals the continued relevance of artillery in large-scale combat, a trend that is also apparent in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Artillery pieces, such as howitzers and mortars, have proven to be crucial in both conflicts, providing long-range fire support and disrupting enemy lines.

Air defense is another critical capability in both the Nagorno-Karabakh War and the current conflict in Ukraine. Advanced air defense systems are essential for protecting troops and infrastructure from aerial attacks. The importance of air defense in these conflicts underscores its significance in future conflicts.

Effective camouflage has also proven to be important in both the Nagorno-Karabakh War and the current conflict in Ukraine. troops have used various techniques to blend into their surroundings, making them harder for enemy forces to detect. This trend highlights the importance of camouflage in future conflicts, where stealth and concealment could be key to success.

In addition to traditional military tactics, the use of drones, advanced sensors, and other technologies has been significant in both conflicts. These technologies have enabled troops to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and strike enemy targets with precision. The ongoing war in Ukraine is providing further insights into the role of these technologies in future conflicts.

The trends in warfare demonstrated in the Nagorno-Karabakh War are not directly encountered by the US military and its allies in nearly two decades of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This highlights the need for continued study and adaptation to ensure that Western militaries are prepared for the challenges of future conflicts.

The image included in this article is sourced from the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence and shows a tank claimed to be captured from an Armenian unit by Azerbaijani forces during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War.

This episode was originally released in October 2020. If you're interested in learning more about the lessons from the Nagorno-Karabakh War and their implications for future conflicts, you can listen to the MWI Podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, and other podcast apps.