Russia launches new electronic warfare systems against Ukrainian drone threat
- Russian forces have significantly slowed their advance on the front with Ukraine, declining from 627 square kilometers to 203 square kilometers.
- In response to the success of Ukrainian drones, Russia is deploying new electronic warfare systems designed to counter drone threats.
- These developments highlight the urgency for Russia to innovate in military technology as they prepare for a new offensive.
Russia has been facing significant challenges on its extensive front with Ukraine, approximately 600 miles long. Over recent months, their military efforts have seen a marked decline in operational success, dropping from an advance of 627 square kilometers in November to just 203 square kilometers recently. This slowdown is attributed to the effective use of drones by Ukraine, which have disrupted Russian operations and limited their capability for large-scale mechanized assaults, vital for breaking through Ukrainian defenses. In response to these challenges, Russia is deploying several new electronic warfare (EW) systems aimed at countering the Ukrainian drone threat. Ukraine's innovative use of drones for precision strikes and reconnaissance has reshaped the dynamics of modern warfare, leaving Russian forces in urgent need of more efficient counter-drone technologies. Traditional kinetic systems that aim to take down drones with missiles or bullets have proven largely ineffective against smaller, low-flying first-person view (FPV) drones employed by Ukrainian forces. The new EW systems, categorized into kinetic and non-kinetic methods, strive to neutralize drones through various means such as overpowering control signals or spoofing GPS navigation. While Russia possesses a substantial inventory of advanced EW technologies, they have struggled to keep pace with the evolving capabilities of Ukrainian drones. Recent introductions include vehicle-mounted systems such as the Sarmat-Mgla and the man-portable Sarmat-Kentavr, both produced by their defense industry, claimed to offer overwhelming effectiveness against Ukrainian operators. This mobilization of new electronic warfare systems coincides with Russia's preparation for what appears to be a renewed offensive campaign against Ukraine. However, it is essential to recognize that any technical advantage achieved through the deployment of these systems may only be temporary. Historically, as evidenced in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has consistently found ways to counteract Russian technological advancements, suggesting that continuous development of EW systems will remain necessary for Russian forces.