electronic warfare

As part of Operation Legio in southeastern Poland, a Western training program is assisting Ukrainian soldiers with advanced battlefield skills, focusing on doctrine and leadership. Trainers are skipping basic lessons in drone piloting and electronic warfare because Ukraine possesses existing expertise in these areas. Instead, the curriculum incorporates drone use and the threat from enemy drones into tactics planning to ensure realistic preparation for combat.

Ukraine's drones can lock onto targets and continue attacks even after losing operator control due to Russian electronic warfare. This autonomy, enabled by systems like the Perennial Autonomy Hornet and Starlink terminals, helps counter jamming and optimize limited manpower.

A Ukrainian defense firm, December1, reports increased demand for its Damba electronic warfare system, which jams Russian strike and reconnaissance drones. Production of the system has risen from 400 to 1,000 units monthly, with over 6,000 deployed since August 2024. Russia’s frequent drone strikes, including one Molniya strike drone per minute, highlight the system’s tactical importance in countering aerial threats.

A Ukrainian soldier described the drone-filled 'zero line' as so dangerous that troops may wait a week to move 300 meters. Movement requires favorable weather, electronic-warfare support, and coordination to avoid drone threats.

Leonardo UK's CEO, Clive Higgins, expressed interest in a potential Combat Cloud Aircraft (CCA) role, highlighting the company's expertise in sensors and electronic warfare. He also noted opportunities for drones developed in collaboration with a Turkish partner, while expressing caution regarding funding.

NATO's top general, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, stated that alliance forces are prepared for a battlefield dominated by drones, electronic warfare, and surveillance, similar to the conflict in Ukraine. He highlighted Ukraine's participation in NATO exercises and the evolving tactics and technology observed in the war.

The article highlights growing investment in newer defense areas like deep strike capabilities, anti-drone, and unmanned systems, noting varying priorities across countries. Electronic warfare is described as a technological phenomenon influencing defense valuation strategies.

The Pentagon's weapons testing office, DOT&E, faced workforce cuts reducing civilian staff from 126 to 30, leading to increased workloads and concerns about untested weapons reaching troops. A Congressional watchdog report highlights risks of malfunctions and gaps in oversight, particularly in areas like electronic warfare.

French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill discusses the army's push toward higher readiness and adaptation to modern warfare, emphasizing innovation through bottom-up and top-down approaches. He highlights lessons from Ukraine while cautioning against over-reliance on its model, noting the coexistence of advanced technologies and traditional combat methods.

Ukrainian mobile air defense units continue using .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns alongside new interceptor drones due to challenges like electronic interference. The M2, a nearly century-old weapon, remains effective in certain conditions despite the adoption of high-tech Ukrainian-made interceptors like the P1-Sun and Bullet.

A Ukrainian maritime drone exploded at a Romanian Black Sea port, with three others detonating nearby. No injuries were reported, and Romanian authorities stated the drones were lost due to Russian electronic warfare. Evacuations were temporarily implemented but later suspended.

China is advancing an 'AI Plus' revolution in electronic warfare, integrating AI with radio wave physics to create faster, smarter, and more resilient communication and radar systems. Experts argue this strategy could redefine military dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum, marking a 'new form of war'.

Ukraine's 'Lava' brigade of the Khartiia Korps in Kharkiv region operates Leleka reconnaissance drones and Bulava strike systems near the Russian border, evading Russian interceptors and electronic warfare while conducting deep attacks. Crews work from hidden command posts under constant threat of detection.

Ukrainian drones diverted by Russian electronic warfare have repeatedly crossed into Baltic States airspace, causing damage to infrastructure in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Russia allegedly used GNSS spoofing and jamming techniques to redirect Ukrainian UAVs from their targets, though debate remains whether intrusions were deliberate or unintended consequences of the countermeasures.