Electronic warfare (electronic warfare)

Chronicle

2024

Russia launched the production of the Kalinka system for recognizing Starlink signals and destroying drones using them

Russian specialists have developed and launched a small-scale production of the Kalinka monitoring system, capable of detecting and bearing signals from Starlink satellite communication systems at a distance of up to 15 km, the chairman of the board of the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies announced the launch of the project in mid-December 2024. Read more here.

China unveils special coating for planes that makes them invisible to radar

At the end of November 2024, the Chinese military introduced a new anti-radar coating that can hide aircraft from tracking systems. This coating is capable of absorbing low frequency electromagnetic waves at different angles of incidence and does not exceed the thickness of the paper sheet. Previously discovered radio absorbing materials for stealth aircraft are effective only for some types of electromagnetic waves. Read more here.

The Russian drone swarm suppressor began to be sold abroad. 10 countries decided to purchase it

On November 15, 2024, in Zhuhai (People's Republic of China), Rosoboronexport announced the conduct of pre-contract work on the sale of the RB-504P-E complex with more than ten countries from different regions of the world. Read more here.

The main developments in the field of electronic warfare for the year

1. Development of the United States Ghost Mantis.

SRC has introduced a multifunctional electronic warfare system called "Ghost Mantis," designed for use on unmanned platforms. This system is capable of not only detecting and identifying new threats, but also conducting operations to create interference and disinformation of the enemy. Ghost Mantis integrates elements of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which allows it to quickly adapt to new threats and deceiving opponents in real time. It also supports work in Joint Combat Operations Control Systems (CCAs), which allows the illusion of an increased number of combat units on the battlefield, misleading the enemy and forcing him to spend resources on false targets.

2. Pulsar modular systems from Anduril Industries.

Anduril Industries has released a line of Pulsar systems that use artificial intelligence to quickly recognize and eliminate threats in the electronic warfare spectrum. Pulsar features an open architecture and supports integration with various platforms, including ground vehicles and aircraft carriers. It is capable of many tasks, such as electronic countermeasures, countering unmanned systems, electronic reconnaissance and electronic attacks. The main feature of the system is its ability to quickly configure and deploy new modules to combat new threats in a matter of days.

3. Updated electronic warfare system for the F-16 from Northrop Grumman.

The United States successfully tested a new electronic warfare system AN/ALQ-257 IVEWS (Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite) for its F-16 fighters. This system uses ultra-wideband architecture and is designed to counter advanced electronic threats. It is integrated with other fighter systems and has undergone a series of tests in difficult conditions, demonstrating the ability to operate safely in intense electronic countermeasures.

4. NATO exercises "Thor's Hammer."

The "Thor's Hammer" exercise in 2024 was NATO's largest electronic warfare technology verification exercise. They were attended by 14 countries that tested countermeasures systems for radio-controlled explosive devices (C-RCIED) and small unmanned systems (C-sUAS). For the first time, the exercise was held in the United States at Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, which allowed participants to test the equipment in conditions as close as possible to real urban combat.

These developments and activities demonstrate significant progress in the integration of artificial intelligence, automation and open architectures into electronic warfare systems, as well as increased coordination between Western countries as part of testing new technologies, the Revenge of Goodwill channel wrote.

Russia began to use the portable antidronic complex "Chistulya" in the SVO zone

At the end of August 2024, it became known that Russian assault units began to use the Chistulya wearable complex in the special operation zone, designed to protect fighters from drones. The device was developed by specialists of the Central Research Institute "Cyclone" as part of the holding "Roselectronics" (part of the state corporation Rostec). Read more here

Presented the Russian "combat antidron" to intercept UAVs by sound

In mid-August 2024, the Astron Aero design bureau presented the Russian Kombat-Antidron complex for the detection and destruction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system can be used, in particular, to combat small-sized attack drones, as well as FPV-drones (First Person View), which are controlled by the operator, receiving an image from a built-in camera. Read more here

Russia began to use Sobolyatnik robots in the SVO zone to identify tanks and combat vehicles

In early August 2024, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Russian military began to use the Sobolyatnik robotic systems in the special operation zone. They are designed to identify tanks and combat vehicles. Read more here

When buying radio electronics to suppress drones in Russia, now you need permission from the Ministry of Defense

In Russia, the rules for the purchase of electronic equipment designed to suppress unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been tightened. From August 20, 2024, when buying such funds, it became mandatory to obtain written permission from the Ministry of Defense. These changes relate to both government agencies and private security companies guarding strategically important facilities.

According to CNews, the State Commission on Radio Frequencies (GKRCH) has approved a new procedure for allocating radio frequencies for electronic suppression of drones. According to the minutes of the meeting of the commission, when submitting applications for the use of radio frequencies, the maximum equivalent isotropically emitted power (EIMM) of which exceeds certain values, the consent of the Ministry of Defense to purchase such funds is required. An exception was made only for the Federal Security Service (FSO).

To suppress UAVs, you will need to receive permission from the Ministry of Defense

The right to suppress drone signals, legislated since 2019, was originally granted to a number of law enforcement agencies, including, MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS, and FSB FSO others. In 2022-2023, these powers were expanded to organizations of departmental security, private security companies protecting objects with mandatory requirements for anti-terrorist activities, as well as to specialized state enterprises created by the authorities of the subjects of the federation during the period of mobilization and martial law.

The new restrictions on the use of electronic drone suppression facilities directly depend on the power of these devices and the level of response in the corresponding region. In draft GKRCH solutions, such devices are divided into low-power (up to 10 W), medium power (from 10 to 50 W) and high power (over 50 W). The use of high-power devices is possible only by law enforcement agencies and exclusively with the permission of the Ministry of Defense, especially in regions with the maximum level of response.^[1]

In Russia, the Lesochek complex, which fits in a backpack, is presented, which disables UAVs and radio-controlled explosive devices

In August 2024, Roselectronics presented the modernized Lesochek electronic warfare complex. The new version of the system not only protects armored vehicles from radio-controlled explosive devices, but is also capable of suppressing the navigation and control channels of commercial UAVs, which can be used, among other things, for reconnaissance, adjusting fire and striking with light ammunition, the manufacturer says. Read more here

In Russia, a wearable device for suppressing drones "Meerikat-O/P" is presented

On August 12, 2024, a wearable device for suppressing drones called "Meerikat-O/P" was presented in Russia. The development of this mobile electronic warfare complex (EW) is aimed at protecting military personnel from unmanned aerial vehicles, including FPV drones, which is especially important in modern combat conditions. Read more here

Russian enterprises received a new electronic system to combat FPV drones within a radius of 5 km

On August 7, 2024, it became known that Russian enterprises began to use the new SERP-VS6D automated drone suppression system developed by the Roselectronics holding of the Rostec state corporation. This innovative system is able to effectively combat FPV drones within a radius of up to 5 kilometers, providing reliable protection for objects. Read more here.

In Russia, presented the Lori radar station for the destruction of drones within a radius of 10 km

In early August 2024, the Russian company Eliars presented a new Lori three-coordinate radar station (radar) capable of detecting and accompanying air and ground targets at a distance of up to 10 km. The development is designed to protect military and industrial facilities from enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Read more here.

In Russia, created a complex "Cobra" for "hunting" for FPV drone operators

On July 25, 2024, it became known that Russian specialists presented a new development in the field of countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Cobra complex, created to detect enemy FPV drone operators, is being prepared for pilot combat operation in the special military operation (SVO) zone. Read more here

Russian drone detectors Oko-4 and Oko-P began to be supplied to the SVO zone

In mid-July 2024, Russian servicemen participating in a special military operation received the latest domestic drone detectors Oko-4 and Oko-P. The supply of about 100 units of this equipment is designed to strengthen the capabilities of Russian troops to detect enemy unmanned aerial vehicles in the area of ​ ​ the SVO. Read more here

All Russian aircraft in the RWT zone are equipped with "reality-distorting" electronic warfare systems

In July 2024, Rostec State Corporation announced that all Russian aircraft involved in a special military operation (SVO) are equipped with electronic warfare (electronic warfare) systems capable of "distorting reality" for enemy air defense systems.

According to Rostec, Russian electronic warfare systems consist of receiving and transmitting modules. The receiving module captures the signals of the enemy radar station (radar), and the transmitter processes and distorts these signals. As a result, the enemy either cannot capture the target due to distortion of coordinates, or the already launched missile is removed from the target.

Ladoga 2018

Leading Russian air defense specialist, military analyst Alexei Leonkov said that the Russian military successfully counteracts the tactics of "air ambushes" used by Ukrainian forces. This tactic involves the deployment of anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) near the front line with a short-term activation of the radar only at the time of launch of the missiles.

Leonkov noted that various methods are used to combat this tactic, including the use of Khibina's airborne defense systems. These systems are installed on the wingtips of the Su-34 and Su-35S aircraft, as well as under the wings of the Su-25 attack aircraft.

"Hibins" distort the signal from the aircraft for air defense radars, which makes it difficult to guide missiles. Thanks to this, Russian pilots manage to get away from enemy missiles by maneuvering with large overloads.

The expert also announced the use of reconnaissance and strike systems to destroy the identified Ukrainian air defense systems. These systems include automation, communications and control facilities, as well as various air and ground-based strike and reconnaissance complexes.^[2]

The Russian army began to use the Peacock complex to disguise communications equipment

In July 2024, the Russian army began using the Peacock complex to mask communications. This complex provides enemy misinformation, creating false signals that lead to incorrect location and target designation. Read more here

In Russia, presented a miniature drone suppressor "Pocket." It is already used on the WO

On July 22, 2024, it became known that Russian developers presented a miniature drone suppressor "Karman," which had already passed successful tests in the zone of a special military operation (SVO). The new device is designed to suppress the control channels of unmanned aerial vehicles. Read more here

Deliveries of the Leshiy complex began in Russia to protect cars from drones

Deliveries of the new Leshiy mobile complex, designed to protect cars from drone attacks, have begun in Russia. This became known in July 2024. The Roselectronics holding, part of the state corporation Rostec, has developed this system and has already begun supplying it to customers. Read more here.

Ukraine stopped using GPS bombs from Boeing because Russian weapons completely block them

In early July 2024, it became known that Ukraine was abandoning the use of GPS bombs developed by Boeing. Russian systems in the special operation zone completely block the signals of this ammunition. Read more here.

Roselectronics launched a neural network that increases the detection range of UAVs by 40%

On July 11, 2024, the Roselectronics holding, part of the Rostec State Corporation, announced the launch of a new neural network capable of increasing the detection range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by 40%. The development is designed to automate the operation of optical drone detection facilities monitoring airspace around protected facilities. Read more here

In Russia, the Sapphire anti-drone complex is presented, which detects even the smallest UAVs

On July 8, 2024 Yekaterinburg , the Russian Sapphir anti-drone complex was presented, capable of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of all types, including the smallest. This development of the Concern "Radio-electronic technologies" (KRET) is designed to ensure the effective protection of important objects from unauthorized surveillance and potential attacks using. drones More here

The Russian army began to use the Irbis radar station, which conducts reconnaissance for 150 km

The Russian army began using the new Irbis radar station (radar), capable of reconnaissance at a distance of up to 150 kilometers deep into the enemy's territory. This was announced on June 8, 2024 by the Russian Ministry of Defense, noting that this station is already being used by servicemen of the North group of forces during a special military operation. Read more here.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport installed drone protection systems for 295 million rubles

The Anton Chekhov Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk airport has installed modern protection systems against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), spending 295 million rubles on this . This became known on June 24, 2024. The move is aimed at securing airspace and preventing potential threats from drones. Read more here.

In Russia, presented a compact antidron system "Frost" to detect even small drones

Russia has developed a new compact radar station "Frost," capable of detecting ultra-small drones. This became known on June 24, 2024. This innovative system was created by specialists of the research and production enterprise "Radar mms." Read more here.

Russian BMP-3 began to be mass-equipped with drone suppression systems

On June 24, 2024, the High-Precision Complexes holding, part of the Rostec state corporation, announced that infantry fighting vehicles had BMP-3 begun to be mass-equipped with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) suppression systems. Such equipment is especially in demand in the zone of a special operation. Read more here

At the naval bases of the Russian Navy create control points for anti-ship protection

At the naval bases of the Navy Russia , the creation of control points for anti-ship protection (PRZ) began, as Ministry of Defence reported in the Russian Federation in early June 2024. One of the first objects where such a point was established was the Kamchatka brigade of ships for the protection of the water area. In addition to the PRZ, air observation points with a watch service are also organized here. More. here

Russia introduced a drone suppression system in 12 frequency bands at the same time

At the end of May 2024, a new complex for suppressing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) called "Gribochek" was presented. This innovative system is capable of simultaneously operating in 12 frequency bands, which makes it an effective tool for protecting against drones, the developers say. Read more here.

Ministry of Industry and Trade creates Anti-Dron system for intercepting drones for 900 million rubles

On May 27, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation announced a tender for the development of a predictive interception and interruption of unmanned aircraft (BVS) flights. The project was called "Antidron," and the initial contract price is 897.32 million rubles. Read more here.

Washington Post: Russian electronic warfare systems make American weapons useless in Ukraine

At the end of May 2024, it became known that Russian electronic warfare systems (electronic warfare) make high-tech American weapons in Ukraine virtually useless. We are talking, in particular, about satellite-guided ammunition.

According to the newspaper, The Washington Post Russian electronic warfare systems undermine Ukraine's ability to use certain types of weapons supplied. USA The publication mentions artillery shells with - GPS positioning Excalibur and a highly mobile artillery missile system. HIMARS Under electronic warfare, Excalibur's effectiveness in the special operation area is said to have dropped to less than 10% in a few months. As a result, the Ukrainian military refused to use these shells.

Russian electronic warfare systems make high-tech American weapons in Ukraine virtually useless

Excalibur technology in existing versions has lost its potential, The Washington Post cites an assessment contained in confidential documents.

Moreover, it is noted that the Ukrainian military faced a similar problem when using guided 155-mm shells supplied by other Western countries. The inefficiency of HIMARS systems, in turn, led to the fact that very expensive ammunition became increasingly used for attempts to defeat lower priority targets. According to a senior Ukrainian military official, whose statements are quoted by The Washington Post, the HIMARS complex in the special operation zone has become "completely ineffective."

It is also said that the Russian electronic warfare systems violated the work of JDAM - aerial bombs, equipped with an aerodynamic set with GPS guidance. Guidance errors reached 1.2 km. After massive failures, according to The Washington Post, the manufacturer began to supply Ukraine with a modified version of the projectile.^[3]

FSO approved a program to equip protected facilities with anti-drone systems

The Federal Security Service (FSO) of Russia has approved a program to equip protected facilities with anti-drone systems. This was announced on May 14, 2024 by the candidate for the post of director of the department Dmitry Kochnev. Read more here.

Russia began deliveries of a portable radar station for detecting drones at ultra-low altitudes

In April 2024, deliveries of a portable radar station for detecting drones flying close to the ground began in Russia. We are talking about the development of the Rybinsk Instrument Making Plant (RZP, part of Roselectronics of the Rostec state corporation). Read more here.

Russia has developed the Pyatnitsa complex to protect large objects from drones

On April 22, 2024, it became known that a complex called "Friday" was developed in Russia, designed to protect important and large-scale objects from attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system is based on specialized software. Read more here.

The Russian military began to use the AI-suppressor of drones "Gyurza," which itself selects frequencies during operation

On April 22, 2024, it became known about the creation of the Gyurza drone suppressor, equipped with artificial intelligence, thanks to which the system can independently conduct electronic warfare with enemy drones. We are talking about the development of the research and production enterprise (NPP) "Geran." Read more here.

In the Belgorod region, agricultural equipment is protected from drones

In early April 2024, the Governor of the Belgorod Region Vyacheslav Gladkov instructed to organize the installation of anti-drone equipment on agricultural equipment. The enterprises themselves will finance the protection of tractors and combines, but they are entitled to compensation.

Recommendations were made to the heads of agricultural enterprises - the purchase of electronic warfare against unmanned aerial vehicles, the manufacture and installation of physically anti-drone protection for self-propelled vehicles, - the Minister of Agriculture and Food of the region Andrei Antonenko reported at the meeting.

Vyacheslav Gladkov instructed to organize the installation of anti-drone means on agricultural equipment

According to him, a seminar will be held for the heads of agricultural enterprises in order to acquaint them with samples of equipment equipped with antidron protection. Antonenko also noted that during the field work they will introduce daily briefing of employees, mandatory provision of protective equipment, helmets, body armor and medical first-aid kits. Interaction with power structures will also be established when an explosive object is detected.

In March 2024, the authorities of the Belgorod region distributed 4.2 billion rubles of assistance to the business affected by the shelling from Ukraine. According to the head of the region, 1.8 billion rubles are provided to compensate losses to agricultural producers, another 700 million rubles for small and medium-sized businesses. As Gladkov emphasized, the lack of protection against drones on agricultural machinery may be the basis for refusing to pay compensation for damage.

Due to attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) on the Belgorod region, agricultural enterprises are often damaged. So, at the end of March 2024, an agricultural enterprise caught fire in the village of Polyana - this happened as a result of an attack by a Ukrainian drone.^[4]

In Russia, the production of the Gran electronic intelligence complex began to protect refineries from drones

In early April 2024, it became known that mass production of the new Gran electronic reconnaissance complex (EER) had begun in Russia. The solution is designed to protect various facilities, in particular, refineries from attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Read more here.

Russia has developed the Peak tower to protect ships from flying drones

In early April 2024, the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions (CDC) announced the development of the Peak tower to protect the ships of the Navy, as well as the infrastructure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and airfields from enemy drones. Read more here.

A detector has been developed in Russia to detect any type of drone

The design bureau (KB) "Tallamho" ("Pathfinder") has developed an acoustic detector "Malik," capable of detecting any type of drones. The first of its kind device in Russia detects unmanned aerial vehicles by sound, regardless of the radio frequencies they use. The product developers spoke about this at the end of March 2024. Read more here.

Production of dome station for suppressing military drones to protect armored vehicles launched in Russia

In mid-March 2024, the Scientific and Production Association (NPO) Kaisant"" announced the release of a dome station drones for suppressing the military to protect armored vehicles and vehicles. A system called "K-1000" is designed to suppress drone flights by setting omnidirectional interference of high power. More. here

In Russia, created a comprehensive drone interception system at a distance of 5 km "Stupor"

On February 26, 2024, the Russian company Stupor announced the development of a system of the same name against unmanned aerial vehicles. The complex is capable of detecting and suppressing drones in several ways at once at a distance of up to 5 km. Read more here.

Rostec launched mass production of a drone detection system connected to air defense within a radius of 30 km

The Central Design Bureau of Apparatus Engineering (CCBA), which is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding of the Rostec state corporation, has launched mass production of the airspace control system (SKVP). This became known on February 5, 2024. Read more here.

2023

New electronic warfare systems appeared on Russian tanks to protect against FPV drones

On October 17, 2023, it became known that a new electronic warfare system (EW) was developed in Russia, designed to protect tanks from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The complex is mounted directly on a combat vehicle for use in the field.

The commander of the tank platoon of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with the call sign "Owl" spoke about the new product. According to him, the system is designed to combat, among other things, FPV drones (First-Person View): these are drones equipped with a camera for transmitting a video stream in real time to the control panel or to the pilot's virtual reality glasses. The developed electronic warfare system does not allow such UAVs to approach Russian tanks.

New electronic warfare systems have appeared, which are installed directly on the tank. And, in principle, they show themselves very, very well. Because drones, well, any drone, fall 10 meters from the tank. That is, any FPV-drone, - notes the commander of a tank platoon of the RF Armed Forces.

If a conventional reconnaissance drone flies too close to a combat vehicle equipped with a new electronic warfare system, it will hang on the spot and lose contact with satellites and its operator. As a result, the enemy will lose the ability to control the drone and control the situation on the battlefield.

The emergence of a new electronic warfare is relevant in the current geopolitical situation. The fact is that enemy drones can carry grenades and combat units of mines on board, and FPV drone operators try to drop ammunition into open hatches of tanks and cabins of other military vehicles. The use of onboard electronic warfare in principle will exclude the possibility of such attacks, since the UAV will not be able to approach its target. And this will help save the lives of many soldiers, as well as protect equipment from damage.^[5]

The Russian army received the Thunderstorm complex to combat drones

On March 5, 2024, Rostec announced the development and start of deliveries to the Russian army of the Thunderstorm complex, designed to combat drones of the FPV type (First Person View). The system was developed by the Novgorod research and production enterprise Kvant (part of the KRET of the Rostec state corporation). Read more here.

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