Modern Threats and Challenges: The Experience of Special Operations for the Development of Protection Systems
Radar 9S18M3 from the composition of the air defense system "Buk-M3" on combat duty
During the Special Military Operation, the Russian armed forces faced a number of new challenges and threats. The enemy, using the help of foreign countries, is actively using modern models of weapons and equipment, tactics, etc. The means and systems available to our army make it possible to deal with such threats and successfully solve the assigned tasks. At the same time, experience is being accumulated that is necessary for the further development of weapons and other systems.
Threats and challenges
A characteristic feature of the current hostilities is the simultaneous use of long-known "traditional" means and new models. The Ukrainian formations are armed with both old Soviet systems and modern foreign developments. Due to their joint use, they try to solve urgent problems.
The leading role in the battles is retained by artillery, cannon and rocket. With its help, Ukrainian troops continue to strike at civilian targets and try to oppose our army. At the same time, in recent months, Ukraine has received a number of modern foreign-made systems with an increased range and equipped with effective means of control and guidance.
Unmanned aerial vehicles of a number of classes, mostly foreign-made, are widely used. Ukrainian formations massively use light reconnaissance UAVs, incl. available commercial models. Until recently, they had a fairly large fleet of percussion devices. In addition, large quantities of loitering ammunition are coming from abroad.
Launcher "Buka-M3"
While preparing the Ukrainian army, foreign allies paid great attention to the issues of intelligence, communications and control. As is now known, NATO countries are actively using various means of data collection in the interests of the Kyiv regime. Spacecraft are involved in such work, incl. commercial companies, special aircraft and UAVs, means for working in cyberspace, etc.
The received data is processed by appropriate means at headquarters and transmitted to subordinate command posts. Depending on the current needs and capabilities, Ukraine uses regular military or civilian infrastructure for communication. In addition, imported satellite communications systems with the possibility of high-speed access have been deployed.
Artillery fighting
The main threat to the Donbass and our troops is still enemy artillery. First of all, the fight against it is carried out by reconnaissance of firing and reserve positions, as well as places of storage of weapons and ammunition. For this, UAVs and other reconnaissance means are used, after which a suitable fire weapon strikes.
Practice has shown that modern domestic air defense systems are capable of withstanding rocket artillery. Complexes "Pantsir-S1", "Tor-M2", etc. can timely detect flying missiles and shoot them down. The effective work of air defense against rockets of all used types, from Grad to HIMARS, has been confirmed. However, there is a risk of overloading the air defense with an excessive number of flying missiles. In this case, part of the ammunition may reach the target.
ZRPK "Pantsir-S1" and radar "Nebo" monitor the airspace
Cannon artillery shells and mortar mines still remain an inaccessible target for air defense. So far, only counter-battery means, such as the Zoo-1 complex, have been used in this area. With the help of radar and other systems, the position of the enemy is detected, which is then struck. The possibility of additional reconnaissance with the help of UAVs increases the accuracy of a retaliatory strike.
Drone countermeasures
The enemy is actively using UAVs of various classes, but in this area also suffers heavy losses. The Russian army has clearly shown that it has all the necessary means to detect, destroy or suppress such targets. At the same time, the range of such systems and samples is constantly expanding due to new developments.
Modern air defense systems / air defense systems have proven to be effective against UAVs. Their radar and optical means are capable of detecting even small air targets, and missiles and guns are responsible for their destruction. Full size drums Drones also turned out to be not the most difficult target for various radars and missile systems such as Pantsir, Buk, etc.
A curious novelty of the Special Operation was the Zadira-16 combat laser system, designed specifically to combat UAVs. At ranges of several kilometers, it burns through the structure of such a target and causes its destruction. At the same time, the specificity of the laser beam simplifies guidance, removes the problem of ammunition and provides other advantages.
Portable electronic warfare complex LPD-801 and the result of its work
Also in the zone of the Special Operations, various means of electronic warfare are widely used. Basically, these are full-size complexes, such as Krasukha-4, etc. They are capable of suppressing control channels and satellite navigation, as well as simultaneously processing a large number of targets. Also, several types of portable "anti-drone guns" appear in the troops.
Intelligence and communications
In the interests of the Kyiv regime, the space facilities of third countries are working, and this problem also requires attention. However, there are obvious limitations that must be taken into account. Thus, a full-fledged fight against the satellites of "neutral" states is impossible due to the risks of escalating the conflict. Therefore, other methods and tools are required.
Several basic methods are used to counter satellite reconnaissance. This is a competent placement of objects and positions, as well as their disguise. In addition, false positions should be created with imitators of real objects and products. Due to this, intelligence can be deceived by hiding the real location of objects, their number, etc.
Electronic warfare is acquiring great importance in this area. With the help of "Krasukha" and other complexes, the search and suppression of communication channels through which the enemy receives the necessary information is carried out. At the same time, it is necessary to influence both the regular army communications circuits and foreign samples supplied as assistance. Also, electronic warfare systems must suppress the GPS signals required by a number of foreign systems and weapons.
Self-propelled artillery remains an effective response to various threats
The joint work of our electronic warfare / RTR and strike systems has a noticeable effect. Intelligence reveals not only control channels, but also finds the corresponding objects of military infrastructure. This is followed by a blow, after which the enemy military grouping is left without communication and control.
Ways of development
In general, the Russian army and its equipment and weapons are coping with the tasks set and the emerging threats. However, even now it is necessary to analyze the accumulated experience of conducting combat operations and draw conclusions of one kind or another. The special operation should show how various weapons and special equipment should be developed.
Widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles aviation shows the need for further improvement of air defense, both by improving existing systems and by creating new ones. For example, the dimensions of ready-to-use ammunition are of great importance.
The answers to these challenges appeared in the new project of the Pantsir-SM air defense missile system. This complex includes a new light missile to destroy UAVs. In addition, a transport-combat vehicle with an increased number of missiles on the launcher has been developed. It will be much more difficult to overload and break through air defense based on such air defense systems and a larger number of aircraft will be required.
Combat laser "Peresvet", designed to combat satellite reconnaissance
Both in the field of air defense and in the field of combating artillery, combat lasers have a great future. Such systems are capable of hitting aircraft, high-precision weapon, missiles and even artillery shells. Some of these possibilities have already been shown in practice, while others are expected in the near future. It is obvious that the development of this direction will not stop at the experienced Zadir, and new similar models will appear in the future.
It is obvious that the development of the electronic warfare direction will continue. At the same time, compact and portable systems for combating UAVs will receive additional attention. Familiar full-size systems will also be updated or replaced with new models with enhanced performance.
Current events show the need for the creation and development of anti-satellite systems. These can be laser systems for suppressing the optics of reconnaissance satellites or missiles for hitting space targets, inspector satellites, etc. The use of such systems and weapons in the current Special Operation is impossible for political reasons, but they must be in service and on duty.
Accumulation of experience
Like any other military operations, the current Special Operation for the Defense of Donbass allows you to check the real state and capabilities of the armed forces. In particular, a variety of samples and systems are tested in real conditions, as well as methods and tactics for their application. The events of recent months show that our army as a whole was ready to conduct combat operations in the presence of a number of characteristic threats.
Simultaneously with such inspections, the army is gaining experience, which should already be analyzed by specialized organizations and structures. In the near future, this will lead to the formation of new plans for the development of various areas. As a result, the Russian army will improve its overall potential in the medium term, as well as gain new capabilities to protect against a wide range of modern threats.
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