Russia deploys measures to blind enemy HIMARS fire

Recently, Ukraine has been conducting repeated attacks on Russia's infrastructure and important supply routes in its southern territories to paralyze enemy forces. Ukraine has attacked two strategic bridges near the Kherson region: the Antonivsky Bridge and the railway bridge over the Dnipro River. Ukrainian media reported that the Antonivka and Darivka bridges, as well as a road next to the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, were attacked by its forces using the HIMARS system. Russia uses these routes to transport heavy equipment and weapons.

The US fired the HIMARS system. Photo: wikipedia

This is the first step in Ukraine’s plan to encircle and eventually retake Kherson, the vital port city that fell to Russia in March. As the only Russian-controlled city west of the Dnipro River, Kherson’s fate could determine the course of the war. If Ukraine recaptures the city and disables its key bridges, it can effectively block Russian advances on both sides of the river. But if Russia holds Kherson, it could become a launching pad for a new Russian offensive to capture the port city of Odessa.

Russia is now trying to counter enemy fire by implementing a series of countermeasures. Not only is it intensifying attacks aimed at destroying HIMARS systems or their storage facilities, Moscow is also trying to exploit the system’s weaknesses to “blind” the enemy. Moscow has deployed a series of cone-shaped radar reflectors in the water west of the Antonivsky Bridge and near the railway bridge.

After being equipped with long-range weapons like HIMARS by the US, Ukraine has increased its advantage in launching counterattacks. Moscow also accused Kiev of launching a drone attack on the headquarters of its Black Sea Fleet. With the power and high maneuverability of HIMARS, many Russian weapons and vehicles will be more vulnerable on the battlefield. But now, the situation may change as Russia knows the weaknesses of this system.

The mechanism of using radar reflectors is to create virtual images next to real images on the opponent's satellite radar equipment. Russia has installed these devices at two locations next to two real bridges to create "phantom" bridges that fool satellite radar, making it easy for the enemy's missile system to attack. This will give Russian forces time to repair the real bridges, while avoiding the risk of attacks. Currently, the only way for Moscow to hold its stronghold in Kherson is to maintain supply lines across the Dnipro River.

This is not the first time Russia has used this countermeasure to defend against Ukrainian attacks. Earlier in July, Moscow deployed decoy barges equipped with radar reflectors and smoke devices to protect the Kerch bridge connecting Russia to Crimea.

HIMARS are unlikely to target the well-defended Kerch bridge, but they could easily hit the bridges in Kherson.

Explaining the use of Russian cone-shaped radar reflectors, defense expert Girish Linganna said: “In Ukraine, there are many reports that the military is using guided multiple launch rockets (GMLRS) with integrated inertial and GPS satellite guidance. This has caused great losses to Russian forces in Kherson. The advantage of HIMARS is the ability to target precisely in urban areas.”

“To counter this system, Russia deployed cone-shaped radar reflectors that deflect radar signals. While Ukrainian soldiers could detect the target visually, the HIMARS system, which incorporates radar and satellite imaging equipment in its design, cannot clearly identify the target if it is deflected in this way. The system treats the entire curved part as a flat surface. The Russians exploited a technical flaw in the way HIMARS operates to protect their supply lines,” added Girish Linganna.

The purpose of radar reflectors or rough metal objects sometimes called corner reflectors is to fool satellite radars, causing them to provide false information to HIMARS, resulting in misidentification and missed targets.

“GMLRS uses the GPS coordinates of the target and its inertial navigation system. GPS coordinates are provided by various sources, such as satellites. Satellites use radar to select GPS coordinates. HIMARS does not use radar-guided missiles, but the systems that provide GPS coordinates to it use radar to track the target,” explains expert Girish Linganna.

While many have questioned whether something as simple as using radar reflectors would actually be effective against sophisticated weapons like HIMARS, military experts say Russia’s move may be based on a well-thought-out idea, and Moscow appears to want to prove that radar reflectors are a viable option for protecting bridges./.