In the early days of the invasion of Ukraine, experts were surprised at how poorly the Russian army’s electronic warfare units performed. But nearly 18 months later they are causing significant problems for Ukraine’s counter-offensive. This article explores Ukraine’s invisible conflict in electronic warfare, the impact it has on the battlefield, and the precautions both sides are taking to gain an advantage.
Electronic warfare plays a critical role in modern warfare, as almost every weapon relies on radio waves, microwaves, infrared, or other frequencies to receive data. This vulnerability makes them susceptible to interception and suppression by electronic warfare systems. For Ukraine, detecting electronic signals from Russian weapons is crucial to gathering intelligence, identifying targets, and building a comprehensive battlefield picture. It allows them to understand the enemy’s movements, potential offensives, and defensive positions. However, Russian electronic warfare units have developed sophisticated jamming technology that poses a significant challenge for Ukraine.
Russia has invested heavily in electronic warfare, with 18,000 electronic warfare troops in their full-scale invasion in February 2022. While their initial attempts to disrupt Ukrainian radars and air defense systems were only partially successful, they have learned from their mistakes. Russia has transitioned to smaller, more mobile devices that are harder to detect and destroy. These mobile electronic warfare units are strategically deployed along the front line, aiming to slow down Ukraine’s counter-offensive.
One of Russia’s most effective jamming systems is Zhitel, which can disrupt GPS signals within a 30km range. This capability poses a significant threat to Ukraine’s weapons, which rely on GPS for navigation and targeting. Ukraine has received sophisticated weapons from NATO countries, including JDAM bombs and the Himars multiple rocket system, which are vulnerable to the jamming. As a result, Ukraine and its Western partners are engaged in an intense competition of “move and counter-move” to develop counter-measures against Russian jamming.
Intelligence units like Alain’s, part of Ukraine’s electronic intelligence officers, have a crucial role in locating and neutralizing Russian electronic warfare systems. By intercepting radio communications and gathering information, these units contribute to increasing the number of destroyed systems. The efficiency and accuracy of Ukrainian weapons depend on neutralizing the jamming signals in the targeted areas. Precision-guided munitions have to be used strategically, ensuring that there is no jamming interference before striking the target.
The impact of Russia’s jamming technology goes beyond the battlefield. It affects Ukraine’s communication networks, disrupting military satellite networks while leaving cellular and internet communications largely unaffected. Villagers in Mykolaiv used mobile phones to tip off the Ukrainian military about the movement of Russian troops, showcasing the importance of unhindered communication channels. Ukraine’s ability to maintain communication superiority has contributed to its successful defense against the Russian invasion.
As Ukraine continues to face challenges in countering Russian electronic warfare, there are significant implications for the outcome of the conflict. The ability to detect and neutralize jamming signals will determine the effectiveness of Ukraine’s weapons, their ability to gather intelligence, and their overall battlefield advantage. Both sides are constantly adapting and developing new strategies to outsmart each other. The ongoing invisible battle in electronic warfare highlights the importance of technological advancements and strategic intelligence gathering in modern warfare.
Ukraine’s efforts to jam Russian weapons not only impact the immediate conflict but also have broader implications for the future of warfare. As countries rely more heavily on technology and electronic systems, vulnerabilities in these areas become prime targets for disruption and exploitation. The battle in electronic warfare between Ukraine and Russia serves as a stark reminder of the growing importance of technological supremacy and the need for robust defenses against jamming and interception. Ultimately, the outcome of this invisible conflict may shape future military strategies and the nature of warfare itself.
