Complex urban warfare scenarios rise in importance for British Army
British Army soldier during Exercise Joint Warrior in 2021. (Photo: UK MoD Crown copyright 2021)
Observing the ongoing war in Ukraine, UK defence experts and high-ranked officials claim that urban warfare would be a significant component in a future conflict with Russia.
The war started by Russia in Ukraine has shed light on the relevance of preparing and equipping armies for urban warfare. Defence experts and high-ranked officials claim that future warfare will involve some measure of combat in towns and cities.
Operating in urban warfare environments brings additional threats to ground troops, such as problems in manoeuvring armour and soldiers that can result in diminished force protection, with troops exposed and logistics delayed.
Additionally, buildings can obscure the line of sight to adversaries and conceal their position. Hidden obstacles and tunnels are other threats as they can conceal the enemy.
Urban warfare also challenges
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme]()
US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme
The US Army is seeking a mature 155mm, wheeled, self-propelled capability to replace the towed M777 howitzer in the Stryker, Mobile and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams as it targets a potential 498-unit acquisition goal.
-
![British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026]()
British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026
Project Stokes could see a new 120mm mortar capability enter British service, with domestic production and international partnerships central to competing bids.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Large vehicles and counter-drone systems take the limelight]()
World Defense Show 2026: Large vehicles and counter-drone systems take the limelight
Visitors who attended the first World Defense Show four years ago continue to speak of the difficulties they faced with poor facilities and power problems. This year’s event emphasised its status as one of the major defence expositions and as a place where regional players and those less welcome at other shows could take centre stage.
-
![Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts]()
Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts
Experience on the battlefield is accelerating the adoption of active protection systems as technologies continue to evolve to reflect shifting global defence needs.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale]()
World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale
Shephard sat down with Hanwha Middle East and Africa president Sung Il at World Defense Show 2026 to hear about the company’s plans for the region and how it plans to use local industry success to win deals.
