Hertz and Minds

Electronic Warfare and the Tactical Land Battle in Ukraine

This report examines the significant role of electronic warfare (EW) in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Based on interviews and open-source material, the analysis focuses on the tactical land battle and how both sides have adapted their EW strategies over time.

Russia's initial 2014 invasion saw the deployment of various EW systems that targeted Ukrainian communications, UAV links, and even cell phone usage. This initial phase was marked by Russia's 'New Look' defence reforms, which led to a modernisation and reorganisation of its EW capabilities, including the development of sophisticated systems like the Krasukha-4, designed to jam airborne radars.

However, the full-scale invasion in 2022 revealed shortcomings in Russia's EW strategy. Despite a more extensive deployment of assets, they failed to achieve electromagnetic superiority or supremacy. This was partly attributed to a lack of preparedness and shortcomings against technologies like Starlink and SINCGARS radios.

The conflict subsequently became an attritional battle, with both sides adapting their EW tactics. The need to counter the growing threat of UAVs became paramount, leading to developing and deploying smaller, more mobile, multifunction EW systems. Ukraine has shown agility in identifying and deploying new technologies, leveraging civilian innovations, and collaborating with organisations like Brave1 to streamline the development process.

The report highlights several key trends in EW:

• The increasing importance of distributed EW networks and passive ESMs for improved situational awareness and targeting.

• The growing use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning (ML) for analysing vast amounts of SIGINT data and potentially countering Lowe Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/D) techniques.

• The need for all troops to be 'spectrum minded' and understand the importance of spectrum management.

The Russo-Ukrainian conflict underscores that future warfare will require nations to actively fight for control of the electromagnetic spectrum. It demonstrates the need for adaptability, rapid technological development, and efficient integration of EW with manoeuvre forces. Furthermore, civilian spectrum usage in future conflict zones will add another layer of complexity. Winning future battles will require militaries to win both 'Hertz and Minds.'

Link to full article.