Russian artillery uses RTK with electronic warfare systems
"Marker" is one of the modern robotic platforms. Photo by FPI
Unmanned and robotic systems have become widespread in the Russian army and are used in various situations. It has become known that ground-based remotely controlled robotic platforms are now used to protect artillery units. For this purpose, they are equipped with electronic warfare systems and accompany artillerymen.
New solutions
The Izvestia newspaper reported on a new idea for protecting ground units on August 22. It cites its sources in the Defense Ministry who are familiar with the situation. Unfortunately, the publication does not provide any technical details. In addition, the Defense Ministry has not yet commented on such reports or shown the products described by Izvestia.
The publication reports that Russian artillery units began to use ground-based RTKs in a new role. Such equipment is equipped with stations EW and are used to protect guns and their crews at firing positions. The exact robotic platforms and jamming stations used have not yet been reported.
A tracked RTK with an electronic warfare station goes into firing position together with artillery. All the time while the crews are conducting combat work, the robot is engaged in suppressing the main frequencies used by enemy UAVs. First of all, such work is aimed at countering common FPV-drones shock purpose.
"Marker" was developed as a carrier of various add-ons. Photo FPI
Details of such use of RTK with electronic warfare devices are not disclosed. Now units and subdivisions will have to gain experience and fully confirm all the positive qualities of the new idea. If it receives good marks, then more active implementation and application should be expected in all areas of the front.
Current problem
Almost from the very beginning of the current Special Operation, one of the threats to our troops has been unmanned aerial vehicles aviation enemy. At first, the talk was about light reconnaissance UAVs, as well as devices with ammunition release devices. Then "disposable" attack FPV drones appeared.
The threat from UAVs has led to the active development of various means of protection. Particular attention has been paid to the direction of electronic systems. Various electronic reconnaissance devices designed to detect UAVs are being developed and manufactured, as well as jamming stations to suppress navigation signals and communication channels.
Currently, the Russian army widely uses a number of types of EW stations designed for installation on equipment or stationary objects. There are also a lot of hand-held "anti-drone guns" in service. Similar equipment is available in almost all units and is actively used for self-defense.
UAV suppression station "Serp-VS5". Photo "Roselectronics"
Platforms for systems
EW stations are mounted on different platforms and carriers. Various armored vehicles forced to operate in a high-risk area can act in this role. Stations are also installed on cars, etc. Now it has become known about the installation of suppression systems on robotic platforms. This application option should have certain advantages.
Like any other platform, the RTK with the electronic warfare system is capable of moving on roads and various terrain. In most cases, it can easily accompany self-propelled or towed artillery and constantly suppress communication channels. In the latter the news tracked RTKs are mentioned. Equipment with such a chassis should demonstrate high mobility and cross-country ability.
Almost all current domestically produced RTKs have remote control and some autonomous functions. They can move on operator commands or work according to a given program, studying the terrain features. In the case of a robot carrier of an electronic warfare system, control can be carried out by an operator at a remote station. In addition, it can be controlled by one of the artillery crew numbers using this RTK for cover.
Depending on the model, the self-propelled platform can have a high load capacity. This allows for the installation of high-power electronic warfare systems with corresponding dimensions and weight. This increases the radius and effectiveness of suppression.
Portable electronic warfare station Groza-04K. Photo by Rostec
The RTK not only transports the EW station, but also provides its power supply. Such platforms have generators or batteries to power various payloads. These can be combat modules or special electronics. In any case, there is a significant power reserve.
It should be noted that the carrier of the EW station can also be a self-propelled artillery unit or a towed gun tractor. This approach allows for a reduction in the number of vehicles in an artillery battery, simplification of deployment, etc.
However, it is not without its disadvantages. First of all, it is necessary to modify the ACS or vehicle to install new equipment. It is necessary to find a place for new devices, provide methods for their installation, etc. It is also necessary to organize the power supply based on existing electrical systems. In some situations, this may be difficult or even impossible.
Potential carriers
In its recent news item, Izvestia did not report which RTKs are used in artillery as carriers of electronic warfare systems. Only the type of chassis is mentioned. It will not be possible to determine which machines are being discussed - both due to a lack of information and because of the active development of military robotics.
In recent years, the domestic industry has introduced a large number of ground-based RTKs with various features. Remotely controlled platforms of small, medium and large size and corresponding weight have been developed. They are capable of carrying a variety of equipment, from small reconnaissance assets to full-fledged combat modules.
Portable suppression system "Harpoon-3". Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
For example, since the beginning of 2023, the Marker series of RTKs have been present in the Special Operations area. Wheeled and tracked vehicles of this family can carry optical and electronic means, as well as weapons weighing tens of kilograms. It is quite possible that they can also be equipped with jamming stations.
There are also wheeled platforms with similar capabilities, such as "Depesha". Similar RTKs are also supplied to the troops and are tested in practice. The "Depesha" product is a multi-purpose platform with the ability to transport cargo or install a payload. Load capacity - up to 100 kg.
It is quite possible that domestic enterprises have already developed new robotic platforms with similar characteristics and sent them to the troops for testing. In order to test their capabilities, such RTKs can be carriers of various devices, including electronic warfare systems.
Useful experience
According to the latest news, RTKs with electronic warfare systems have begun to be used in artillery units. They are used to protect equipment, weapons, and crews at firing positions and while moving. This practice should increase the batteries' resistance to enemy action and thus have a positive effect on their effectiveness.
It can be assumed that the positive experience of artillerymen will not go unnoticed by other branches of the armed forces, units and subdivisions. They can also organize the operation of robots with jamming stations. They may have to refine the initial solutions taking into account their needs, but all this will give an obvious positive result.
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