Artillery vs. Ordnance — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Artillery specializes in large-caliber guns used in warfare, whereas ordnance encompasses all military weaponry, including artillery.
Difference Between Artillery and Ordnance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Artillery refers specifically to large guns and missile launchers designed for use on battlefields to support infantry and tank units, while ordnance includes a broader range of military weaponry, such as small arms, ammunition, and bombs.
Artillery pieces are often mounted on platforms that are either towed or self-propelled, allowing for strategic positioning during combat. In contrast, ordnance covers all materials used in combat, from personal weapons to the vast arsenals of artillery itself.
Artillery operations focus on long-range bombardments, critical in weakening enemy fortifications and disrupting supply lines. Ordnance, however, is integral to all levels of military planning, affecting strategies in air, land, and sea warfare.
Artillery units are usually a separate branch within the military, specializing in the operation of heavy guns and howitzers. Ordnance, on the other hand, concerns the supply, deployment, and maintenance of all types of arms and munitions across the military.
Artillery's role is predominantly offensive, aiming to deliver powerful, concentrated fire over long distances. Ordnance encompasses both offensive and defensive military capabilities, including the development and storage of weapons.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Large-caliber guns used in direct combat.
All military weapons and ammunition.
Scope
Primarily large guns and missile systems.
Includes artillery, small arms, and bombs.
Usage
Long-range bombardment in warfare.
Broad military use, from combat to logistics.
Branch
Specific branch within the military.
Pertains to overall military logistics.
Primary Function
Offensive, targeting enemy fortifications.
Both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Compare with Definitions
Artillery
Large-caliber firearms designed for warfare.
The army deployed artillery at strategic points along the ridge.
Ordnance
Encompasses all combat and support weapons.
Ordnance recovery teams are essential after conflicts.
Artillery
Operated by specialized military units.
He served in an artillery unit during the war.
Ordnance
Military materials including weapons and ammunition.
The ordnance depot was stocked with various munitions.
Artillery
Essential for weakening enemy defenses.
The siege was successful largely due to the relentless artillery assault.
Ordnance
Includes development and disposal of military arms.
Ordnance disposal is a critical and dangerous task.
Artillery
Includes howitzers, cannons, and rocket launchers.
The new artillery units were equipped with advanced rocket launchers.
Ordnance
Managed by ordnance corps within the military.
She worked in the ordnance corps, handling logistics.
Artillery
Artillery is a class of heavy military ranged weapons built to launch munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry firearms. Early artillery development focused on the ability to breach defensive walls and fortifications during sieges, and led to heavy, fairly immobile siege engines.
Ordnance
Military materiel, such as weapons, ammunition, combat vehicles, and equipment.
Artillery
Large-caliber weapons, such as cannon, howitzers, and missile launchers, that are operated by crews.
Ordnance
The branch of an armed force that procures, maintains, and issues weapons, ammunition, and combat vehicles.
Artillery
The branch of an army that specializes in the use of such weapons.
Ordnance
Cannon; artillery.
Artillery
The science of the use of guns; gunnery.
Ordnance
Military equipment, especially weapons and ammunition.
Artillery
Weapons, such as catapults, arbalests, and other early devices, used for discharging missiles.
Ordnance
Artillery.
Artillery
Large projectile weapons, in modern usage usually large guns, but also rocket artillery.
Ordnance
Heavy weapons of warfare; cannon, or great guns, mortars, and howitzers; artillery; sometimes, a general term for all weapons, ammunitiion, and appliances used in war.
All the battlements their ordnance fire.
Then you may hear afar off the awful roar of his [Rufus Choate's] rifled ordnance.
Artillery
An army unit that uses such weapons, or a military formation using projectile weapons, such as archers.
Ordnance
Military supplies
Artillery
Gunnery.
Ordnance
Large but transportable armament
Artillery
Weapons.
Ordnance
Integral to both offensive and defensive operations.
The troops were well-equipped with the latest ordnance.
Artillery
Munitions of war; implements for warfare, as slings, bows, and arrows.
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad.
Artillery
Cannon; great guns; ordnance, including guns, mortars, howitzers, etc., with their equipment of carriages, balls, bombs, and shot of all kinds.
Artillery
The men and officers of that branch of the army to which the care and management of artillery are confided.
Artillery
The science of artillery or gunnery.
Artillery
Large but transportable armament
Artillery
An army unit that uses big guns
Artillery
A means of persuading or arguing;
He used all his conversational weapons
Artillery
Heavy weaponry used for long-range bombardment.
Artillery fire could be heard echoing across the valley.
Common Curiosities
Who operates artillery in the military?
Specialized artillery units within the military are trained to operate and maintain large-caliber guns and missile systems.
Can artillery be considered a type of ordnance?
Yes, artillery is a subset of ordnance, which includes a wide range of military weapons.
What is artillery used for in the military?
Artillery is used for long-range bombardments, targeting enemy positions and fortifications to support infantry and tank units.
What is the role of an ordnance corps?
An ordnance corps is responsible for the supply, maintenance, and logistical support of all types of military weaponry.
How is ordnance stored and maintained in the military?
Ordnance is stored in secure depots and maintained by specialized military personnel to ensure readiness and safety.
How does ordnance differ from artillery?
Ordnance refers to all military weaponry and munitions, while artillery specifically denotes large-caliber guns used in direct combat.
What types of weapons are included in ordnance?
Ordnance includes small arms, artillery, missiles, bombs, and other military weapons and ammunition.
What is essential for the effective use of artillery?
Effective use of artillery requires precise targeting, skilled operation, and integration with overall military strategy.
How does artillery impact battlefield tactics?
Artillery allows for strategic, long-range attacks that can soften enemy defenses before ground troops move in.
What are some examples of artillery?
Examples of artillery include cannons, howitzers, mortars, and rocket launchers, which are used to launch projectiles over long distances to engage enemy forces or targets.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
