The current state of the Czech air defense system: modernization against the backdrop of a landslide reduction
The begun rearmament of the new multi-channel anti-aircraft missile systems S-300PMU with solid-propellant missiles was interrupted due to the collapse of the "socialist camp" in Eastern Europe. The planned deliveries of new mobile complexes for military air defense were also halted.
Anti-aircraft missile forces of the Czech Republic
After abandoning the communist ideology, Czechoslovakia did not long remain a single state. January 1 1993 as a result of the conflict of the national political elites of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic was officially divided into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. In 1994, the main issues of the military property division of the Czechoslovak armed forces were officially settled between the countries. Unlike the disintegration process of other states, which happened as a result of the loss of the Soviet Union in the Cold War, the acquisition of sovereignty by the Czech Republic and Slovakia was peaceful. The parties, without any particular controversy, managed to agree on the amicable division of the military inheritance, inherited from a well-equipped army, which was considered one of the most combat-ready in Eastern Europe.
Four years after the collapse of the communist regime, the number of radar posts and positions of the air defense system decreased many times. In 1991, all obsolete CA-75M complexes with 10-cm range guidance station were written off. By the year of 1994 in the Czech Republic, all C-75М air defense systems were removed to the reserve and three of the five C-200ВЭ air defense systems were removed from combat duty. The collapse in funding for the military budget led to the fact that already in 1998, the air defense forces of the Czech Republic abandoned the C-73М3 and С-200ВЭ air defense systems that were sufficiently new at that time. The end of the ideological confrontation between the East and the West and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact led the Czech leadership, while reducing the risk of a major armed conflict to a minimum, decided to keep the complexes with liquid anti-aircraft missiles at combat positions, which required considerable expenses. However, the service of low-altitude systems C-125М1А was also short-lived, the last Neva complexes in the Czech Republic were retired in 2001 year.
In contrast to the target air defense systems deployed in stationary positions, army mobile anti-aircraft complexes were not subjected to such large-scale reductions. First of all, the Czechs got rid of the outdated, low-efficiency Strela-1М complexes and the very difficult ones in the operation of the Krug air defense system. By the end of the Cold War, the Czechoslovak People's Army had seven Kubov regiments, which were divided in the proportion of 4: 3 between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The desire to save on defense expenditures resulting in a continuous series of “optimizations” led to the fact that only the “Kub” air defense system remained of the medium-range complexes in Czechoslovakia. In 2000, the ZRK, which remained in service, was decided to be reduced to the 43-th anti-aircraft missile brigade with headquarters in Strakonice. In addition to the divisions armed with the “Kub” complexes, the brigade included units equipped with the Osa-AKM and Strela-10М short-range mobile air defense systems. Organizationally, an anti-aircraft missile brigade and radar controls the airspace were subordinate to the command of the air force.
In 2003, the 43-i zrbr was renamed to 25-zrbr. Due to the deterioration of equipment and the inability to replenish ammunition new anti-aircraft missile Command Czech Air Force was forced to 2008 year to write off all SAM 9K33M3 "Osa-AKM", and in 2012 oldest SAM 2K12M "Kub-M" - leaving only a relatively fresh complexes in service 2K12M3 “Cube-M3” and ADMS 9K35M “Strela-10M”. After the downsizing, the 25-I anti-aircraft missile brigade in the 2013 year shrank to the 25-th anti-aircraft missile regiment.
At the end of 1980, there were plans to replace Strela-2M MANPADS in the armed forces of Czechoslovakia with more long-range and interference-proof Igla-1 MANPADS. However, these plans, due to the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, did not materialize. According to the reference data of the Strela-2M MANPADS, they are still in service with the Czech army, but they are in storage and practical shooting has not been done for more than 10 years.
After the decommissioning of part of the “Cube” complexes and all the “Osa” air defense systems, the Czech Republic purchased the 16 short-range air defense systems RBS-70 in Sweden. Apparently, these are the RBS 70 Mk 2 complexes, with the BOLIDE missile equipped with a cumulative fragmentation warhead with ready striking elements in the form of tungsten balls. The missile’s warhead is equipped with a contactless fuse, triggered by a miss to 3 m. Zur, induced by the laser trail method, is capable of hitting air targets at a distance of up to 8000 m. At the ceiling, 5000 m is called. but with a mass in the combat position of about 90 kg - of course it is not. Although the firing range of the latest modifications of the RBS-70 air defense systems is comparable to the Osa-AKM complex, the Swedish complex cannot be considered a full-fledged replacement. All elements of the air defense system "Osa" were located on the floating chassis. The Soviet mobile complex had its own radar detection. In addition, unlike laser-guided missiles, the 9М33М3 radio command and control systems used as part of the Osa-AKM air defense system could be effectively used at night, in poor visibility conditions: with fog, smoke and dust in the atmosphere.
To control the actions of the fire platoon ZRK RBS-70, the Czech company from Pardubice RETIA, part of the holding CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP, created a small-size towed radar ReVISOR. Operation of the first station in the 25-th SRP began in the 2014 year. As of the end of 2018, the 6 of such radars was in operation.
Radar ReVISOR is characterized by a very compact size, high mobility and short time to transfer to the working position. The radar can be mounted on a light truck or in a towed van. The rotating antenna is placed on a mast capable of lifting it to a height of up to 6,5 m. The detection range of aircraft and helicopters is 25 km, small Drones detected at a distance of up to 19 km.
Modernization of the "Cube"
At the beginning of the 21 century, it became clear that those who remained in service with the Kub air defense system needed to be modernized and overhauled. The Czech Ministry of Defense chose the “minor modernization” option proposed by RETIA. At the same time, the basic structure and principles of the complex operation did not change. In the course of repair and modernization work, a part of the electronic units of the 1С91 self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance unit was transferred to the electronic components, as well as modern communications, guidance and computing systems were introduced into the hardware of the air defense system, allowing optimal calculation of the affected area and time of opening fire. The upgraded version of SURN 1С91 in 2007 was designated SURN CZ and began to comply with NATO standards. After modernization and repair, the range of destruction and the number of targets fired remained at the same level, but it was possible to reduce operating costs and extend the service life of the complexes. Thanks to the modernization of the air defense system, the Kub was linked to the automated combat control system of the Czech armed forces RACCOS. However, even after the upgrade, it was completely obvious that, in its present form, the Czech mobile CUB air defense system had no prospects to remain in service for a long time. It was not only the single-channel and low noise immunity of the Soviet complexes, whose age has already exceeded 30 years. With a guaranteed shelf life of years of anti-aircraft missiles 10, the reliability of the 3M9M3E SAM systems in the Czech Army is a big question. According to information published in open sources, the deadlines for the storage of these missiles in 2015 were finally over. This is indirectly confirmed by the fact that the Kub, the 25-th SRPS battery of the Kub system, is launched with a single rocket on a self-propelled launcher.
In 2009, RETIA, together with the Czech Ministry of Defense and the Air Defense Department of the Military University in Brno, began research on the possibility of replacing the regular 3М9М3 SAMs with other missiles. In this case, the main criteria were the minimum changes made to the design of the air defense system "Cube", and low cost. In 2011, the IDET-2011 military exhibition and the Le Bourget (France) air show in Brno (Czech Republic) and a sample of the Cube air defense system, equipped with an Italian-made Aspide 2000 anti-aircraft missile, was exhibited. Like the Soviet 3М9М3 missile, the Aspide 2000 rocket has a semi-active radar homing head.
The Aspide 2000 ZUR is a pedigree from the Aspide Mk.1 air-to-air missile developed by Selenia based on the American AIM-7 Sparrow medium-range UR. Aspide 2000 rockets are used in the Skyguard-Aspide and Spada 2000 land defense systems. The latest modifications of the Aspide 2000 SAMs have a firing range of up to 25 km and weigh around 250 kg.
On the self-propelled launcher 2P25 complex "Cube" are placed three TPCs with SAM Aspide 2000. The new system of the computing complex allows the complex to be guided using the developed SURN CZ program of the standard 1-91М2 radar system. The target illumination station after revision became compatible with the Aspide 2000 SAMs. The launch complex is equipped with a new data transmission equipment to prepare for the launch of the missile defense system.
In 2012-2013 in Italy, Aspide 2000 missile test launches took place in Italy. However, despite certain prospects, the decision on a radical modernization of the Kub air defense system, which remained in service with the Czech army, was never made. Apparently, this was due to the budget deficit of the military department of the Czech Republic.
The current state of the Czech anti-missile forces
Currently, the 25-th anti-aircraft missile regiment has two sections of guided anti-aircraft missiles: 251-I and 252-I. The 251 section includes four batteries of the upgraded Cube air defense systems. However, despite the fact that Czech “Cubes” are regularly shown at military parades and deployed around air bases and nuclear power plants during exercises, a number of experts express doubts about the combat capability of these complexes, whose missiles have long exceeded all service lives.
Launcher 2P25 ZRK "Cube", deployed during the exercise of Safeguard Temelin 2017 near Temelin NPP
According to information published in the media in the near future, the Czechs expect in the framework of allied assistance to receive from NATO partners air defense missile systems with a launch range of at least 100 km. These requirements are satisfied by the Patriot PAC-3 and Aster 30 complexes. However, given the fact that the rearmament program is estimated at $ 450 million, the prospects for its implementation are vague.
Until recently, the firepower of the 252 section consisted of two batteries (8 complexes) short-range SAM systems RBS-70 and two self-propelled Strela-10М batteries (16 units). Currently, the Strela-10М short-range air defense system is being decommissioned, in the 2020 year it is planned to replace the RBS-70NG manufactured by Saab Dynamics AB, for which $ 50 million has been allocated.
Since 2007, the automated control system RACCOS has been used for the operational control of the actions of 251 and 252 of the anti-aircraft missile sections. Like many other Czech air defense systems, the RACCOS ACS was created by RETIA. The compact air defense automated control system is located on the Tatra 815-26WR45 chassis with the 4х4 wheel formula. For autonomous power supply there is a trailed diesel generator.
In order to reduce response time and promptly respond to threats, RACCOS ACS uses digital technologies. The modular system with an open architecture allows you to extend the life cycle and modernize the equipment in accordance with customer requirements. Information about the air situation and the commands required for command and control is transmitted in real time using a radio communication network. Automated control system integrates radar and air defense systems in the centralized. It allows you to exchange data at high speeds between air defense units at various levels.
Means of radar control of the airspace of the Czech Republic
In inheritance from the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic of the Czech Republic got an impressive fleet of radars, most of which were built using outdated element base. At the same time write-off site-S-75M / M3, C-125M / M1A and C-200VE and military complexes "Circle" Czech Armed Forces refused to radar: P-12, P-14, P-15, P-30M , P-35. More modern: Defense-14, P-18, P-19 and P-40 - resigned in the first decade of the 21 century. Due to the high complexity and cost of maintaining working conditions, the Czechs abandoned the 5Н87 (“Cabin-66”) and 64Ж6 (“Cabin-66М”) radar systems, as well as the three-coordinate radar 22-X6М (“Desna-M”).
Currently, the responsibility for the radar control of the airspace over the Czech Republic is assigned to the 26 th regiment of control, warning and surveillance. The seven radar companies of the 262 radio battalion are engaged in direct coverage of the air situation, determination of the coordinates and characteristics of the air targets necessary for issuing target designation of the air defense system and targeting fighter-interceptors. The 262-m rtb operates circular stations: P-37M, CT-68U (CZ), Selex RAT-31 DL, Pardubice RL-4AS and RL-4AM Morad, as well as radio height meters PRV-17. Radar posts are evenly distributed throughout the country and ensure the formation of a continuous radar field.
Two-coordinate radar P-37M on duty, operating in the centimeter frequency range and used in conjunction with altimeter PRV-17, are the most popular in the Czech Air Force. At the beginning of the 21 century, the P-37M and PRV-17 underwent a major overhaul and "minor modernization" at the RETIA plant in Pardubice. Now these stations are in the final stages of their life cycle and in the next few years should be decommissioned.
Satellite image of Google Earth: radar post as part of the P-37M and PRV-17 radars in the vicinity of the village of Polička
To compensate for the gaps that may occur in the radar field after the P-37M radar was written off, the Czech Ministry of Defense ordered 8 ELTA EL / M-2084MR radars with a total cost of $ 112,3 million. According to the contract with the Israeli Elta Systems, some of the components will be supplied by the Czech company RETIA .
The EL / M-2084 three-coordinate radar operating in the 2 - 4 GHz frequency band is mounted on a mobile chassis and can detect artillery positions at a distance of up to 100 km, and air targets - up to 410 km. The first Israeli-made radar should be put on alert in 2020.
In addition to the P-37M radar, two Soviet-made radars are in use in the Czech Republic - CT-68U. These three-dimensional radar combat mode, set shortly before the collapse of the ATS, and is now considered quite modern.
In 2008, RETIA launched a radar overhaul and retrofit program. The upgraded stations received the designation ST-68U СZ. Through the use of modern element base, it was possible to increase the level of reliability and sensitivity of the receiving path. The radar introduced new means of displaying information and communication. In contrast to the P-37M, the Czechs are not going to abandon ST-68U СZ stations, and intend to keep them in service for at least 10 years.
The first Czech development brought to mass production in the field of radar, was the Pardubice RL-4AS radar. Its creation was carried out by TESLA Pardubice specialists from the middle of 1980-x. Deliveries of radars RL-4AS began after the independence of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Originally, this two-coordinate station was created to control air traffic at airports and did not have digital signal processing. In the second half of the 1990-x, the radar was modified to increase noise immunity, and several copies were sent to the radar companies of the joint command of the Air Force-Air Defense of the Czech Republic. The station consists of an antenna post, a van with equipment and two diesel power generators. Three Tatra 148 trucks are used to transport all items. With a pulse power 800 kW, the “militarized” radar RL-4AS is capable of seeing a target flying at an altitude of 9000 m at a distance of up to 200 km.
An upgraded version of the station with digital information processing is known as RL-4AM Morad. This radar uses modern element base, the antenna post is located on a hardware van.
To the south-east of Brno, in the vicinity of the settlement of Sokolnice, is the stationary radar Selex RAT-31 DL. In the past, the radar complex 64Ж6 (“Cabin-66М”) was deployed at this place, which gave out a target designation to the 76-z zbrbr division of the 2-th air defense division. Radar Selex RAT-31 DL is made by the Italian company Leonardo and is designed to continuously monitor the airspace in a radius of 500 km.
Under the radio-transparent dome mounted on a concrete base, there is an active phased array antenna radiating in the 1-1,5 GHz band and performing 6 revolutions per minute.
Radar Selex RAT-31 DL in Sokolnice entered service in 2008 year. Currently, this powerful radar is considered a key element of the Czech air defense. Information from it directly in automatic mode is transmitted to the joint command of NATO and to the national command center of air defense in Stara Boleslav, known as the 261 th Control and warning center.
In addition to airspace monitoring with ground-based radars, in 2011 the Czech Republic became the eighteenth country to participate in NATO's Airborne Early Warning and Control (NAEW & C) program with AWACS aircraft. Participation in the NAEW & C program costs the Czech Republic about $ 4 million per year.
After joining NATO in 1999, Prague was forced to spend significant financial resources to switch to communications and control systems compliant with NATO standards. At the same time, an audit of the military inheritance inherited from Czechoslovakia was carried out. The Czech Republic was unable to allocate funds for defense needs comparable to those spent during the Cold War, which inevitably led to a dramatic reduction in defense spending and could not but affect the air defense forces. According to experts who observed the Czech military who participated in NATO maneuvers, they have a fairly high level of training, but the Czech air defense forces are very small and unable to cover most of the strategically important facilities in the country. Currently, the Czech ground air defense forces and the fighter fleet meet the requirements of peacetime, but are not able to withstand a collision with a strong enemy.
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Information