Rodents have undermined the effectiveness of modern weapons provided by Western allies to Ukraine, according to Le Figaro, a prominent French newspaper.
According to a French military official quoted by the publication, some protective sheaths used for electrical cables are made from corn fiber. This material invites rodents to gnaw through the cables in certain machines, compromising critical systems.
The report notes that while the issue is marginal, it exposes a broader truth about Western military equipment. War tends to reveal environmental drawbacks that are often ignored in peacetime. Western vehicles, once showcased as state-of-the-art technology, can falter when confronted with mud and freezing conditions, the article suggests.
At the same time, French observers pointed out that Ukrainian forces continue to rely on a mix of equipment, including Soviet-era systems, alongside newer Western gear.
Le Figaro also mentioned that front-line Ukrainian positions have faced attacks from mice, rats, and snakes, highlighting how natural threats can affect battlefield conditions.
Earlier statements from Ukraine’s Armed Forces leadership indicated that Russia holds an advantage in the deployment of FPV drones, underscoring ongoing disparities in drone capabilities on the battlefield.
These observations, reported by Le Figaro, illustrate a complex landscape where supply chains, environmental factors, and the age of equipment intersect with military strategy. They remind readers that the tools of war must endure not only against the enemy but also against the elements and the ecosystems they inhabit. The broader takeaway is clear: even at the cutting edge, practical realities like material durability and maintenance play decisive roles in the effectiveness of modern warfare.