In the context of recent military conflicts, a notable analysis emerged regarding the electronic warfare capabilities of Russian forces, which were described as lacking mobility and distribution. As highlighted by defense expert Clark in an interview, the Russian military’s reliance on a limited number of large systems has rendered them less effective in dynamic combat situations. Their operational strategy was predicated on the expectation of a relatively stable battlefield, where they deployed specialized electronic warfare equipment to disrupt enemy communications.
Closer to the front lines, the Infauna, a heavily fortified vehicle designed to intercept radio communications, was deployed. About 15 miles farther back, the Leer-3, capable of jamming cellular networks and intercepting communications, operated from six-wheeled trucks. This vehicle gained notoriety for its ability to relay SMS messages to nearby mobile phones, potentially for propaganda purposes. Meanwhile, the Krasukha-4, a substantial system stationed nearly 180 miles away, was utilized to compromise aerial sensor operations. Such capabilities led to an “electronic weather” phenomenon within conflict zones, where GPS and cellular communications became unreliable, impacting tactical operations on both sides.
The inherent challenge of jamming communications across different frequencies and extensive geographic areas necessitates substantial power, which often correlates to the size of the equipment. This creates a strategic dilemma: commanders must choose between disrupting a concentrated area or extending influence at greater distances. The complexities introduced by this approach can foster significant communication disruptions on the battlefield, inadvertently benefiting the opponent.
In contrast, Ukraine’s military response revealed a contrasting approach characterized by rapid adaptation and enhanced electronic warfare solutions. A representative from UP Innovations, a Ukrainian defense technology startup, acknowledged the initial material and numerical advantages of Russian forces but underscored Ukraine’s innovative strategies in response.
Ukrainian forces focused on developing a diverse array of cost-effective electronic warfare systems, tailored for flexibility and rapid deployment. For instance, the Bukovel-AD anti-drone system, compact enough to be transported in a pickup truck, exemplifies this strategy. These advancements were complemented by the Eter system, which assists in detecting Russian electronic warfare operations, enabling Ukrainian forces to effectively target those systems using artillery.
Since the onset of the full-scale conflict in 2022, the Ukrainian company Kvertus has experienced exponential growth in its electronic warfare product line. Initially starting with one shoulder-mounted anti-drone gun, production has escalated dramatically, producing thousands of devices in 2023 alone. This situational responsiveness points to a broader trend within Ukraine’s military apparatus—a commitment to evolving capabilities in the face of sophisticated electronic threats.
The ongoing conflict underscores the importance of adapting electronic warfare strategies to maintain operational effectiveness. The tactics employed by both Russian and Ukrainian forces can be analyzed through the lens of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, highlighting potential adversary techniques such as initial access, which may have involved exploiting vulnerabilities to deploy these electronic systems. As the landscape of warfare continues to evolve, the dynamic between communication reliance and electronic warfare capabilities will remain a critical focus for both strategists and cybersecurity professionals.
