The formidable capabilities of Russian electronic warfare.
The development of Russian electronic warfare systems is becoming a serious threat to the US and NATO, forcing them to seek ways to counter it.
Electronic warfare is the art of becoming invisible to the enemy. Or, at least, becoming invisible in the electromagnetic spectrum and being able to intercept enemy signals.
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| Russia's current electronic warfare capabilities are making it difficult for the US to catch up. (Illustrative image) |
In modern warfare, electronic warfare plays a crucial role; therefore, countries like the US and NATO always carefully study the arsenals of potential adversaries, such as Russia.
In recent years, Russian electronic warfare, like other weapons, has continuously emerged and poses a serious threat to the US and NATO. In this regard, Samuel Bendett, an analyst at the US Center for Naval Studies, revealed the true capabilities of Russian electronic warfare through five questions.
What are the characteristics of the threats posed by electronic warfare tools to the US military and NATO countries in Europe?
Russian electronic warfare systems utilize modern technology, particularly thanks to inheriting achievements from the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, this field continued to achieve many new successes in Russia. In fact, American technology was far superior to Soviet technology in this area, but after the end of the Cold War, the US ceased research in this direction because, since 1991, Moscow was no longer a threat to the US.
However, recent years have shown that Russian technology has surpassed that of the United States. And the US may be able to catch up with Russia in this field, but this will take a long time.
Has the threat changed in the last five years?
According to some statistics, over the past five years Russia has been producing, upgrading, and testing various electronic warfare devices. These are electronic warfare devices capable of operating at distances of hundreds of kilometers.
Russia has perfected its methods of conducting military operations, as well as its technical and tactical equipment, enabling it to counter attacks from Western countries. The Russian military and its arsenal are capable of carrying out combat missions without the use of GPS and GLONASS technology.
Will Russia use electronic warfare in Syria and other conflicts?
To date, the Russian military has tested more than 200 new weapons and equipment in the Syrian battlefield, notably including electronic warfare systems such as Krasuha, Moscow, and Leer-3.
In this battlefield, Russia has established a multi-layered defense system, in which electronic warfare systems operate alongside early warning systems and anti-aircraft missile systems. Thanks to these systems, in January 2018, the Russian army destroyed enemy drones and built a system to protect Russian troops and weapons on Syrian territory.
Should the US and NATO be particularly concerned about Russian electronic warfare?
In Syria and across the Black Sea region, the Russian military has repeatedly intercepted communication signals between aircraft and other assets, such as missiles. This poses a serious threat to the West. Russian electronic warfare systems can interfere with the functionality of US and NATO military equipment, particularly radio signals.
Should the US and NATO develop new systems to counter Russian electronic warfare?
In light of this situation, the US military has been discussing the use of the electromagnetic spectrum and enhancing the capabilities of its electronic warfare systems.
It should be remembered that all of Russia's new electronic warfare systems are highly advanced and continue to be upgraded. The combination of these systems with the forces within the Russian military allows them to gain an advantage in the fight for air, sea, and land superiority.
