The Unfolding Electronic Warfare Landscape in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Ashutosh Chaturvedi Marketing manager Unistring Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (UTS) #hyderabad https://www.unistring.com/

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has witnessed a transformative evolution in electronic warfare (EW) trends, prominently marked by the strategic use of drones and the dynamic adaptation of both offensive and defensive technologies. As the battle lines in Ukraine remain largely deadlocked, the role of EW has become ?pivotal, shaping the dynamics of the conflict. This review delves into the intricate details of the electronic warfare developments, ranging from the initial phases of drone warfare to the sophisticated countermeasures adopted by both Russian and Ukrainian forces.

In the early stages, Bayrakter TB-2 drones played a crucial role for Ukraine, impeding the Russian advance in the challenging terrain. Their effectiveness, however, prompted Russia to develop a layered air defense system, incorporating advanced systems like the S-400, S-300FM 'Fort,' Buk-M2E, Osa-AKM, S-125 Pechora, and Pantsir-S1.

Russia's response to the Bayrakter threat involved a comprehensive air defense system, seamlessly integrating hard-kill and soft-kill EW systems. The integration of these systems, post-August 2022, marked a significant shift in the balance of power. The Russians conducted equipment forensics on ?captured ?TB-2 drones, enhancing the effectiveness of their air defense systems.

The focus of the conflict shifted to commercial drones, particularly DJI Mavic models, most effectively due to their smaller size, Economy of scale, reconnaissance, and quick realization capabilities. Both sides deployed specialized equipment such as Jamming Rifles, Harpoon-3, and the Stupor electromagnetic system to counter these threats, emphasizing the adaptability of both forces.

Tactical Innovation with Drones.

?Drones became central to the conflict, exemplified by a video released by the Ukrainian Ground Forces showcasing a unique encounter between a UAV and a UGV near Avdiivka. The video highlighted the strategic importance of drones for both sides, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance their effectiveness and impact on the battlefield.

Lethal Drone Attacks by Ukrainian Soldiers.

Ukrainian soldiers showcased tactical innovation by attaching lethal explosives to low cost commercial drones, offering a firsthand view of the step-by-step process of drone preparation and weaponization. The widespread use of drones on the battlefield was underscored, emphasizing enhanced situational awareness and offensive capabilities.

Russia countered the threat of exploding drones by equipping its tanks and vehicles with jammers, highlighting the growing concern about FPV drone attacks. Despite these efforts, a race to develop drones resistant to jamming is underway, signifying the intensity of the ongoing drone war between Russia and Ukraine.

The review extends beyond traditional warfare into the realm of digital tools, exploring the use of scamming techniques and social media in the conflict. Ukrainian activists and hackers employed digital tactics to influence Russians and gather intelligence on Russian soldiers through dating apps and fake profiles.

The challenges faced by Ukraine in the electronic warfare domain offer valuable lessons for military strategists. This emphasizes the need for the pace at which one has to adapt to the evolving threat landscape, reevaluating strategies in the digital age. It calls for forecasted learning and strategic planning to protect against digital regular warfare and leverage these tools effectively in the future.

The intricate dance between drones, countermeasures, and digital tools highlights the complexity of modern warfare, urging global stakeholders to stay vigilant and innovate in the ever-evolving electronic warfare landscape.