Russia’s Electronic Warfare Dominance: A Comprehensive Overview

Rajesh Uppal August 6, 2024 Electronics & EW, Geopolitics Comments Off on Russia’s Electronic Warfare Dominance: A Comprehensive Overview 2,383 Views

In recent years, Russia has emerged as a global leader in electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, boasting a wide range of offensive and defensive systems across airborne, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and ground-based platforms. This sophisticated EW arsenal, developed and deployed by the Russian military, has been instrumental in various conflicts and has significantly influenced modern warfare tactics.

This technological prowess has not only bolstered Russia’s military capabilities but has also raised concerns among Western powers about potential vulnerabilities in their own defense systems. Let’s delve into Russia’s electronic warfare edge and explore the various facets of its advanced EW arsenal.

Understanding Electronic Warfare

Electronic warfare often deals with degrading the enemy’s sensors including radar, navigation and guidance systems, communications, electro-optics and weapons systems among others. It is used against artillery, fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones and more. This can involve jamming a smart missile so that it shoots off in the wrong direction, causing an artillery shell to detonate prematurely, or interfering with a GPS-guided bomb so that its accuracy deteriorates from decimetres to meters. Militaries also use it to protect their forces.

DoD defines electronic warfare as “military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy.” It consists of electronic attack, electronic protection and electronic warfare support. Electronic attack involves “the use of electromagnetic energy, directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat capability and is considered a form of fires,” according to DoD.

Historical Role in Conflicts: Ukraine and Syria

The Russian military has a well-documented history of employing electronic warfare (EW) tactics to disrupt global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and other positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) signals. Systems like the R-330ZH Zhitel and Polye-21 family of jamming stations have been instrumental in detecting, analyzing, and jamming satellite or cellular communication systems, albeit with limited ranges of 20-30km and 50km respectively.

Russian electronic warfare capabilities have been significant in the conflict in Ukraine’s Donbass region since 2014, employing sophisticated systems for electromagnetic reconnaissance, jamming, GPS spoofing, and attacks against Ukrainian UAVs. These capabilities extend to intercepting communications signals, tapping into cellular networks, and utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and targeting purposes.

During the 2022 Ukraine war, Russia’s attempts to target and disrupt Ukrainian military’s C4ISR infrastructure faltered compared to previous instances, attributed to factors like fuel and supply shortages, coupled with challenging terrain that hindered advances. Despite Russia’s reputation for electronic warfare prowess, large-scale electronic attacks on Ukrainian settlements proved ineffective amidst logistical challenges.

Russia’s electronic warfare capabilities have played a significant role in conflicts such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine’s eastern Donbass region and the intervention in Syria. In Ukraine, sophisticated EW systems, including UAVs and ground-based systems, have been utilized to conduct electromagnetic reconnaissance, jamming, and GPS spoofing against Ukrainian military assets. Similarly, in Syria, Russia deployed advanced EW systems like the Krasukha-4, effectively countering enemy drone attacks and safeguarding critical military infrastructure.By integrating EW with air-defense assets like the Pantsir-S1, Russia effectively countered enemy drone attacks, demonstrating its multifaceted approach to modern warfare.

The Russian military’s emphasis on creating a comprehensive EW system underscores its intent to disrupt U.S. military’s command-and-control networks. Ground forces are equipped with new EW equipment capable of countering U.S. and allied forces effectively, signaling a strategic shift towards dominating the electromagnetic spectrum.

Combining electronic warfare with cyber warfare, Russia employs information operations to undermine unit cohesion and troop morale among deployed Ukrainian forces. This tactic, described as “pinpoint propaganda,” illustrates Russia’s multifaceted approach to psychological warfare.

Acknowledging Russia’s investment in electronic warfare, U.S. military leaders are refocusing efforts on EW capabilities. Proposals include designating the electromagnetic spectrum as a warfighting domain and investing in aerial and naval jammers to gain an asymmetric advantage over Russian forces. However, the Pentagon’s reactionary approach to EW investments and lack of a coherent strategy pose challenges in effectively countering Russian capabilities and achieving enduring superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Recent Russia Ukraine Conflict

Russia’s use of electronic warfare (EW) systems in the Ukraine war has been a significant aspect of the conflict, yet its effectiveness has sparked debate among analysts. The deployment of sophisticated EW systems like the Krasukha-4 aircraft and Murmansk-K ground stations aimed to disrupt Ukrainian communication channels and GPS signals, thereby impeding troop coordination, targeting, and navigation.

Russia’s adept use of EW systems has effectively diverted Ukraine’s precision-guided munitions and exploited vulnerabilities in its air defenses. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced EW capabilities to safeguard Ukrainian troops against constant threats from drone-guided strikes.

With both sides heavily investing in EW technology, Russia maintains a notable advantage, having prioritized these capabilities early on. The emergence of drones as a dominant force on the battlefield has resulted in a stalemate along the frontline in Ukraine’s conflict. As the prevalence of drones increases in warfare, the ability to counter them through jamming and diversion has become strategically paramount for military forces.

Mykola Kolesnyk, a commander in a Ukrainian drone unit, describes the EW confrontations with Russian forces as intense battles to disrupt remote-controlled devices. The utilization of tens of thousands of drones monthly, particularly commercially available models operated by individuals, presents new challenges for both sides.

However, Russia’s heavy reliance on jamming tactics may have yielded mixed results. While initially disruptive, extensive jamming could inadvertently affect both enemy and friendly communications, leading to confusion and hindering Russian operations. Ukrainian forces responded by developing alternative communication methods and leveraging captured Russian EW systems to identify vulnerabilities.

In the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces, though trailing behind Russia in EW capabilities, are ramping up efforts to strengthen their EW defenses. Ukrainian military leaders are calling for increased support from allies to counter Russia’s dominance in EW. They emphasize the significance of suppressing or spoofing satellite guidance systems to effectively thwart enemy air attacks. Additionally, imposing sanctions on high-tech components used in Russia’s EW systems is deemed crucial to leveling the playing field.

The evolving battlefield poses challenges to the effectiveness of jamming tactics. Advancements in communication technologies and the adoption of counter-EW measures by Ukrainian forces have complicated Russia’s efforts. Reports suggest that Ukraine has utilized commercially available anti-drone systems to counter Russian EW operations, further diminishing their impact.

Efforts to bolster Ukraine’s EW defenses include the development of countermeasures against drone attacks and the production of domestic EW systems like the Bukovel system, capable of detecting and jamming drones. Integration of modern EW systems into newly acquired F-16 fighter jets is also sought after, highlighting the importance of innovation in EW technology.

Looking ahead, Ukraine’s role as an EW laboratory presents opportunities for collaboration with Western allies to advance technology and tactics. Despite reluctance from some militaries to share technology, Ukraine aims to leverage its position to glean valuable insights into the future of electronic warfare. By harnessing the power of modern EW systems, Ukraine seeks to shift the balance in the ongoing conflict and lay the groundwork for future defense strategies.

Advanced Jamming and Spoofing Capabilities

Russia’s EW capabilities encompass a spectrum of technologies aimed at disrupting adversary communications and navigation systems. Systems like the R-330ZH Zhitel and the Polye-21 family of jamming stations enable the detection, analysis, direction-finding, and jamming of satellite or cellular communication systems, effectively obscuring troop movements and disrupting hostile command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities.

Offensive Operations and Spoofing Techniques

Russia’s EW arsenal extends to offensive operations, with systems like the RB-314V Leer-3 and the Murmansk-BN network providing jamming capabilities against mobile phone networks and electronic reconnaissance at extended ranges. Moreover, Russia’s ability to spoof adversary signals and disrupt GPS receivers poses significant challenges to enemy navigation and targeting systems, enhancing its offensive capabilities on the battlefield.

Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems stand at the forefront of modern military technology, offering a diverse and technologically advanced arsenal crucial for high-intensity conflicts. Central to the Russian Ground Forces’ operational strategy, Radio Electronic Warfare (REB) encompasses both offensive and defensive capabilities, ensuring adaptability and layered protection.

Among the notable EW systems in Russia’s arsenal is the Borisoglebsk-2, renowned for its effectiveness in jamming mobile satellite communications and disrupting radio-navigational units. Deployed during the conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014, it played a pivotal role in impeding Ukrainian drones by suppressing GPS signals. Additionally, the Moskva-1 serves as the nerve center for Russia’s air defenses and electronic countermeasure systems, monitoring electronic emissions over a 400 km range in real-time across all frequency ranges. The Krasukha-2 system adds another layer of defense, with the ability to analyze and jam adversary radar while misleading attackers with false targets, safeguarding Russian forces from imminent threats.

Russia’s capability in spoofing adversary signals and systems further solidifies its EW dominance. By mimicking legitimate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, Russia can manipulate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data, disrupting naval navigation and Precision-Guided Munition (PGM) routing crucial for U.S. operations. Moreover, KRET’s groundbreaking ground-based jamming system, seamlessly integrated with air defense systems like the S-300V4 and S-400, poses a significant threat to long-range UAVs worldwide, disrupting their command and control through sophisticated signal jamming.

The new Russian EW system, as revealed by a company source speaking to TASS, boasts multiple separate jamming modules capable of attacking command and control systems with complex digital signals over extended ranges. These multichannel stations ensure simultaneous inhibition of various avionics systems, enhancing the system’s versatility and effectiveness. Furthermore, the system’s resilience is ensured through multiple dispersed nodes, with energy, frequency, and intellectual resources optimally distributed. Each module is equipped with individual defense sets, minimizing vulnerability to enemy attacks and solidifying Russia’s position as a leader in electronic warfare technology.

Airborne Electronic Warfare Systems

Russia’s airborne electronic warfare systems are designed to disrupt and neutralize enemy air defense systems, radar networks, and communications infrastructure. One significant aspect of Russia’s airborne EW capabilities is the deployment of multifunctional jamming systems capable of attacking command and control systems at extended ranges using complex digital signals. These systems consist of multiple separate jamming modules, enabling simultaneous inhibition of various avionics systems. Moreover, aircraft like the Su-34 fighter-bomber, armed with the Khibiny EW complex, can interfere with long-range radar detection aircraft, further bolstering Russia’s aerial EW capabilities.

Russia’s airborne EW capabilities are exemplified by aircraft like the Il-20 and the Tu-214R, equipped with sophisticated EW suites for radio reconnaissance and suppression. Additionally, fighter-bombers like the Su-34, armed with the Khibiny EW complex, can interfere with enemy radar-detection aircraft and provide protection against anti-aircraft and aviation threats.

One of the most formidable assets in this category is the Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback, a versatile fighter-bomber equipped with sophisticated EW suites. The Su-34 is capable of jamming enemy radars, detecting and intercepting electronic signals, and launching electronic attacks on ground-based and airborne targets.

Russian advancements in airborne electronic warfare (EW) have seen notable developments in recent years, with deployments of sophisticated Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft like the Il-20 and the latest Tu-214R. These aircraft are equipped with EW systems capable of intercepting and suppressing a wide range of radio signals, from cell phones to aircraft and ground-based radars. The Tu-214R, in particular, carries advanced EW equipment for radio reconnaissance and suppression, enhancing Russia’s capabilities in gathering intelligence and disrupting enemy communication networks.

The effectiveness of Russia’s airborne EW systems was demonstrated in exercises conducted by a squadron of Su-34s, where EW played a crucial role in overcoming enemy air defense systems. Utilizing the Khibiny system, these aircraft simulated strategic bombers without escort, misleading enemy air-defense systems and enabling successful attacks on simulated enemy targets. Such exercises highlight the integral role of airborne EW in modern warfare scenarios.

Retired Colonel Anatoly Tsyganok emphasizes the significance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum in warfare, noting Russia’s effective use of EW equipment in past conflicts. He underscores the transformative impact of Russia’s EW capabilities in conflicts like the war in Georgia in 2008 and the operations in Syria in 2018, emphasizing the West’s underestimation of Russia’s advancements in electronic warfare. These insights underscore the growing importance of airborne EW in shaping the outcome of modern conflicts.

Additionally, Russia’s fleet of strategic bombers, including the Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-160, are equipped with EW systems to counter air defenses and enhance survivability during long-range missions. These aircraft can disrupt enemy radar networks, deceive missile guidance systems, and provide electronic support to friendly forces operating in contested airspace.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare Systems

Russia has also invested heavily in UAV-based electronic warfare systems, leveraging unmanned platforms to conduct covert electronic reconnaissance and disrupt enemy communications. The Forpost-R UAV, equipped with electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors and signal jamming capabilities, is capable of gathering intelligence on enemy electronic emissions and interfering with adversary communication networks.

Moreover, Russia’s development of advanced combat drones, such as the Okhotnik-B and S-70 Hunter, signals a growing emphasis on incorporating EW capabilities into next-generation unmanned platforms. These stealthy drones can conduct electronic warfare missions deep within enemy territory, disrupting command and control systems and providing crucial support to ground forces.

Ground-Based Electronic Warfare Systems

On the ground, Russia’s electronic warfare capabilities are exemplified by systems like the Krasukha-4 and Murmansk-BN, which are designed to counter hostile radar systems, communications networks, and guided munitions. The Krasukha-4, in particular, is known for its ability to jam airborne early warning radars and satellite communication links, disrupting enemy command and control capabilities.

Furthermore, Russia’s ground-based EW systems are integrated into broader air defense networks, enhancing the survivability of key military installations and strategic assets. These systems play a critical role in denying adversaries access to the electromagnetic spectrum and creating a protective shield against aerial threats.

Russian Krasukha-4 (or Belladonna) mobile electronic warfare (EW) unit.

The Russian-made Krasukha-4, also known as Belladonna, stands as a formidable mobile electronic warfare (EW) unit produced by the Bryansk Electromechanical Plant (KRET). Designed with multifunctionality in mind, this system aims to neutralize a wide array of threats, including Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) spy satellites like the Lacrosse/Onyx series, radar surveillance aircraft such as NATO E3 Sentry (AWACS), USAF RC135-Rivet Joint, RAF’s Sentinel R1, and Reaper drones. Operating within ranges of 150 to 300 kilometers, the Krasukha-4 can disrupt enemy EW systems, communications, and radar-guided ordnance with precision.

Functionally, the Krasukha-4 operates by emitting powerful jamming signals across fundamental radar frequencies and other radio-emitting sources. This capability allows it to effectively shield ground-based objects against surveillance satellites, ground radars, and airborne warning and control systems (AWACS). Moreover, the system’s interference renders radio-controlled missile attacks futile, enhancing the defensive capabilities of the targeted entities. By disrupting the enemy’s ability to gather intelligence and execute precision strikes, the Krasukha-4 plays a crucial role in countering sophisticated adversaries on the modern battlefield.

Ground and Ship-Based Systems

Russia’s ground and ship-based EW systems, such as the Krasukha-2 and Krasukha-4, provide crucial defense against airborne radars and radar-guided ordinance, protecting critical military installations and enhancing operational security. Moreover, systems like the Pole-21 and the Palantin EW system demonstrate Russia’s commitment to disrupting enemy cruise missiles and drones through jamming and signal interference.

Russia’s Palantin electronic warfare system for Jamming cellular communications

The Palantin electronic warfare (EW) system recently underwent its training debut within a Russian battalion tactical group near Voronezh, as announced by the Western Military District (WMD) press service on September 17. According to the WMD, the system was utilized to suppress enemy radio communication and electronic intelligence systems across a 1,000 km wide area, showcasing its extensive capabilities. Specifically, the system is capable of blinding adversaries in the short-wave and ultra-short-wave ranges, effectively disrupting cellular communications within the targeted area.

Palantin system offers discreet targeting of radio frequency objects, bandwidth and specific frequency jamming, and detection of opposing forms of EW. Additionally, it can integrate various EW and electronic reconnaissance systems into a coordinated network, enhancing overall operational efficiency. During the exercise, Palantin benefited from protection provided by the ZSU-23-4 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system, 2K22 Tunguska missile and cannon armed air defense vehicle, and 9K330 Tor missile system, showcasing its compatibility with existing defense systems.

In preparation for large-scale conventional warfare, Russia is developing a comprehensive nationwide electronic warfare (EW) system aimed at disrupting enemy GPS guidance systems.

By mounting GPS jammers, known as Pole-21, on approximately 250,000 cellphone towers across the country, Russia seeks to reduce the accuracy of enemy cruise missiles and drones. The strategy involves confusing American GPS guidance systems, potentially preventing direct hits by disrupting the transmission of satellite signals.

The adoption of Pole-21 by the Russian Defense Ministry reflects a broader effort to enhance Russia’s readiness for major conflict scenarios. This initiative aligns with other preparations, including extensive military exercises, reserve system reformation, and the testing of industrial base nationalization during wartime. O.E. Watch, a U.S. Army publication, highlights these efforts as part of Russia’s comprehensive approach to bolstering its capabilities for large-scale conventional warfare.

Developed by JSC “Scientific and Technical Center of Electronic Warfare” (STC EW), the latest Pole-21 jammers are integrated with cellular tower transmit antennas, forming a network that covers entire neighborhoods. These jammers target multiple satellite navigation systems, including GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou, by emitting signals across closely spaced frequencies. With the ability to create an impenetrable jamming dome extending up to 80 kilometers, the system poses a significant challenge to enemy navigation and targeting capabilities.

However, the Pole-21 system’s effectiveness comes with a caveat. While designed to disrupt enemy GPS navigation systems, it also affects domestic users relying on GPS or its Russian equivalent, Glonass. Despite this drawback, Russia continues to explore additional uses for existing infrastructure, such as GSM cellular towers, as a means of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and light aircraft. This multifaceted approach underscores Russia’s commitment to enhancing its EW capabilities and adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly in the realm of electronic and information warfare.

Strategic Implications

Russia’s investments in electronic warfare represent a strategic shift in modern warfare tactics, emphasizing the importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum to gain a decisive advantage on the battlefield. Looking ahead, the development and refinement of EW capabilities are expected to continue as part of an ongoing arms race among major powers. The emphasis on countering enemy EW systems is likely to become increasingly important in shaping modern warfare strategies

As the Pentagon refocuses on electronic warfare capabilities, Russia’s continued advancements in EW technology underscore the evolving nature of modern conflict and the need for robust defense strategies to counter emerging threats in the electromagnetic domain.

Conclusion

Russia’s electronic warfare capabilities represent a formidable force multiplier in modern conflict scenarios, providing the country with a decisive edge in the electromagnetic domain. With advanced jamming, spoofing, and offensive capabilities across airborne, UAV, and ground-based platforms, Russia has solidified its position as a key player in the realm of electronic warfare, shaping the future of modern warfare tactics and strategies. By leveraging a diverse array of airborne, UAV, and ground-based EW systems, Russia has demonstrated its ability to neutralize enemy defenses, disrupt communications, and assert dominance over contested airspace.

However, while Russia’s EW capabilities pose significant challenges to potential adversaries, they also underscore the evolving nature of modern warfare and the importance of countering emerging threats in the electromagnetic spectrum. As such, Western powers must continue to invest in research, development, and innovation to maintain a competitive edge in the realm of electronic warfare and ensure the security of critical infrastructure and military assets in an increasingly contested environment.

Ground and Ship-based systems

With regards to more offensive capabilities, the Russian military can deploy the RB-314V Leer-3, which combines a motorized EW system and an Orlan-10 UAS armed with an EW module to intercept, track and jam GSM-900 and GSM-1800 mobile phone networks within a 6km radius. Theatre-level EW capabilities are provided by the Murmansk-BN system, a network of mobile antenna masts and motorized vehicles which purportedly provide HF signal jamming and electronic reconnaissance capabilities at ranges of up to 5,000km, though more credible assessments estimate its effective operational range to be between 1,000-2,000km based on the ambient atmospheric conditions.

These more basic systems are supplanted with additional defensive capabilities, such as the 1RL257 Krasukha-2 and 1L260 Krasukha-4 systems mounted on KamAZ 8×8 trucks or the ship-mounted TK-25 series of electronic countermeasures, which are designed to target S-band, X-band and Ku-band airborne radars employed by western joint surveillance target attack radar systems (JSTAR), airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, ground based radars (GBR), satellites and radar-guided ordinance at ranges of between 150-300km. These are primarily employed to protect critical military infrastructure such as command posts and air defense installations but can also be used to obscure large scale maneuvers.

Russian KRET—Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies—has developed a powerful new ground-based jamming system that is that could disable the command and control of long range UAVs around the world by jamming its crucial datalinks using complex signal. The new system is designed to be seamlessly integrated with air defense systems like the S-300V4 and S-400 to disrupt air operations.

The new Russian electronic warfare system is also designed to be highly resilient—featuring multiple dispersed nodes. “Their energy, frequency and intellectual resources are distributed in an optimal way. In addition, all the modules are equipped with individual defense sets because they are the prime targets for enemy’s attack,” KRET’s first deputy director general Igor Nasenkov told TASS.