Ukraine sinks Russian Tarantul-II class corvette with Kamikaze USV swarm attack.

Military Intelligence from Ukraine has reported that the "Ivanovets" vessel was sunk following an attack by a swarm of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). The specific location of the incident remains undisclosed. H.I. Sutton, a specialist in open-source intelligence and a frequent contributor to Naval News, has pinpointed the attack's vicinity to Lake Donuzlav or Donuzlav Bay, a location with a Russian military presence. This area, recognized in the 1960s as the Soviet Crimean Naval Base, was previously the berth for Zubr-class air-cushioned landing crafts (LCAC).

An In-depth Examination of the Incident Footage

Russian Black Sea Tarantul-class corvette Ivanovets had sunk after an attack with naval drone

Analysis of the video clearly shows that the targeted ship closely resembles a Tarantul-II class corvette. Several Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) were seen approaching the corvette from multiple directions.

The attack was carried out with remarkable precision, as the USVs were directed at critical points such as the ship's engine exhaust and engine room, with one USV targeting the propeller and propulsion system. This targeted approach indicates a clear aim to immobilize the vessel.

The footage reveals that the USVs performed evasive zigzagging to dodge machine gun fire. In response, the corvette increased its speed significantly, likely in an attempt to escape the USV's kamikaze attack. However, these defensive actions were insufficient, leading to an explosion that resulted in the ship's sinking.

Ukraine has significantly influenced naval warfare by incorporating kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) attacks into its strategy over the past year. This recent event highlights the risk of swarm attacks and exemplifies Ukraine's skilful use of such tactics. The country's innovative use of kamikaze USVs in swarm attacks represents a shift like naval warfare, demonstrating the effectiveness of new tactics in contemporary maritime conflicts.

UAS electronic communications capability

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) use a variety of frequencies for communication, navigation, and operational purposes, depending on their specific applications and operational environments. The choice of frequency bands is influenced by factors such as the range of communication required, the data bandwidth needs, and the regulatory constraints in the area of operation. Here's an overview of some common frequency bands used by USVs:

• VHF (Very High Frequency): Typically ranging from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, VHF bands are commonly used for line-of-sight communication over the water. This includes ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications. VHF is well-suited for short to medium-range communication and is often used for navigational purposes and safety.
• UHF (Ultra High Frequency): Ranging from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, UHF bands provide higher bandwidth and are used for line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight communications. These frequencies are useful for controlling the USV remotely, especially for transmitting video and other high-bandwidth data.
• S-Band and X-Band Radar Frequencies: S-Band (2 to 4 GHz) and X-Band (8 to 12 GHz) are commonly used for maritime radar systems, including those on USVs. These bands are particularly useful for navigation and obstacle detection. S-band radars are preferred in conditions of high sea clutter, while X-band radars provide higher-resolution imaging.
• GPS Frequencies: Global Positioning System (GPS) operates in the L-band, specifically at 1.2276 GHz (L2) and 1.57542 GHz (L1) frequencies. GPS is crucial for the precise navigation and positioning of USVs, allowing them to accurately follow predetermined paths or waypoints.
• Satellite Communication Frequencies: For long-range communication beyond the line-of-sight, USVs may use satellite communication systems that operate in various bands, including C-Band (4 to 8 GHz), X-Band, and Ka-Band (26.5 to 40 GHz). Satellite communication enables global operation capabilities, transmitting data and receiving commands from anywhere.
• Wi-Fi and Cellular Networks: For operations close to shore or within the range of cellular networks, USVs can use standard Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands) and cellular frequencies (such as LTE or 5G bands) for communication. These frequencies are useful for high-bandwidth data transfer, including live video streaming.

Electromagnetic Counter Measure

For countering swarm attacks by Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) that rely on GPS navigation, video uplink, and similar electronic means for guidance and control, focusing on specific Electronic Countermeasures (ECMs) designed to disrupt or deceive these systems is crucial. Here are some targeted ECM strategies:

• GPS Spoofing: This involves broadcasting false GPS signals that the USVs' navigation systems might lock onto, leading them away from their intended targets. The USVs can be misled into incorrect positions or routes by overpowering the actual GPS signals with fabricated ones.
• GPS Jamming: GPS jamming involves the transmission of white noise at the same frequency as the GPS satellites (1.57542 GHz for L1 signals, for example), but with enough power to overpower or interfere with the signal GPS receivers are trying to pick up. This can cause GPS devices to lose the ability to calculate their location, speed, and time or to produce incorrect readings.
• Signal Jamming: Jamming encompasses broadcasting signals at the same frequencies used by enemy USVs for control (e.g., radio frequencies) and telemetry (e.g., video uplinks) to disrupt their communication with their control stations. This could render the USVs inoperative or cause them to execute pre-programmed behaviors that can be exploited defensively.
• Anti-Drone Systems: Adapting anti-drone technologies for maritime use, which may include a combination of radar detection, RF jamming, and kinetic measures, to specifically target and neutralize USVs based on their unique signatures and behaviours.
• Infrared and Electro-Optical Countermeasures: For USVs that might use infrared (IR) or electro-optical (EO) guidance for final approach or target identification, deploying countermeasures that confuse these sensors can be effective. This could include the use of flares, smoke screens, or laser dazzlers to blind or mislead the guidance systems.

Enhancing Maritime Security with COMINT Systems: Averting USV Swarm Attacks

The threat of Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) swarms in the dynamic and challenging maritime security environment represents a sophisticated and emerging challenge. These autonomous vessels, capable of executing coordinated attacks on naval and commercial ships, pose a significant risk due to their stealth, speed, and difficulty detecting and neutralizing them before reaching their targets. This scenario underscores the critical importance of Communications Intelligence (COMINT) systems in maritime defence strategies, specifically tailored to counter the unique threats posed by USV swarms.

The Role of COMINT in Maritime Security

COMINT systems, adept at intercepting and analyzing electromagnetic signals, are indispensable for early detection and response to potential threats in the vast maritime domain. In the context of countering USV swarms, COMINT serves a dual purpose: it provides actionable intelligence on the threat by intercepting the communication and control signals used to coordinate the swarm, and it enables the deployment of targeted electronic countermeasures to disrupt or neutralize the threat.

Case Study: Preventing a USV Swarm Attack on a Naval Vessel

To illustrate the application and benefits of COMINT in a maritime environment, let's consider a case study where a naval vessel deployed in a strategic sea lane faces the threat of an impending USV swarm attack. The vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art COMINT system designed to monitor a wide range of frequencies for any unusual activity suggestive of an imminent threat.

Early Detection and Analysis: The COMINT system detects anomalous signals consistent with USV control communications, suggesting the launch of a swarm attack. By analyzing these signals, the system identifies the control frequencies and modulation patterns used by the USVs, providing crucial intelligence on the swarm's size, composition, and likely approach axis.

Targeted Electronic Countermeasures: Armed with this intelligence, the vessel's electronic warfare suite initiates targeted jamming operations against the identified frequencies, aiming to disrupt the USVs' communication and navigation systems. Simultaneously, the vessel deploys decoys and employs dynamic manoeuvring to confuse and evade the approaching swarm.

Outcome: The COMINT-informed countermeasures effectively disrupt the coordination among the USVs, causing confusion and disarray within the swarm. Several USVs lose navigation and control, veering off course, while the vessel's defensive systems neutralize others. The swarm's attack is thwarted, and the naval vessel remains secure, demonstrating the effectiveness of COMINT-driven responses.

Conclusion

This case study exemplifies the vital role of COMINT systems in enhancing maritime security against sophisticated threats like USV swarms. By providing early detection and detailed intelligence, COMINT enables naval forces to implement precise and effective countermeasures, significantly increasing the chances of successfully averting such attacks. Integrating COMINT into maritime defence strategies is not just an advantage; it is necessary in the face of evolving threats that leverage advanced technologies for asymmetric warfare. As maritime security challenges continue to evolve, the strategic deployment of COMINT systems will be pivotal in safeguarding naval assets and ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters.