NRTKS with electronic warfare equipment help assault groups operate under protection from enemy drones
At the forefront, robotic systems began to be used to combat enemy drones. Electronic jamming devices are installed on the platforms, which make it possible to create mobile jamming zones and cover fighters during combat missions. The new machines are particularly effective against heavy Ukrainian hexacopters of the Baba Yaga type. The use of such platforms for electronic warfare is becoming necessary and helps to reduce risks for personnel, experts say.
How do NRTKS protect fighters from drones
Ground-based robotic complexes (NRTC) have received a new function. In the special operation zone, they began to be used as carriers of electronic warfare (EW), sources familiar with the situation told Izvestia.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
Directional jamming systems are installed on the platform. During the battle, the device moves to the front line, after which the electronic warfare equipment turns on, suppressing the control channels of drones in a given sector. Under such an umbrella, units can move more safely, conduct assault operations, or perform necessary maneuvers.
The new machines are especially effective against heavy Ukrainian hexacopters of the Baba Yaga type. These drones are relatively slow-moving, and, as a rule, they are used along certain routes — an electronic warfare system can be deployed on them, which will suppress drone control channels.
"Today, robotic platforms are used for various tasks: the delivery of ammunition and food, the removal of the wounded, and mine clearance,— military expert Yuri Knutov told Izvestia. — There is even a special manipulator that allows you to install an 82-mm mortar and fire in an automated mode. The fact that they began to install electronic warfare systems is natural. Firstly, it is the protection of the complex itself, and secondly, the cover of the military personnel who are moving forward.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Bobylev
Image source: iz.ru
He noted that with the help of such a robot, it is also possible to cover objects or weapons, such as self-propelled artillery installations.
— This is an important and promising area, which we cannot do without. And the more versatile such anti—drone protection systems are, the fewer losses there will be among our troops and the harder it will be for the enemy," the expert concluded.
Electronic warfare systems attract increased attention, they can be detected by means of electronic intelligence, military expert Yuri Lyamin told Izvestia.
— This is one of the primary objectives for the means of defeating the enemy. Therefore, the desire to place electronic warfare equipment where there will be no people is understandable. And if it is hit, there will be no casualties," he explained.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Bobylev
Image source: iz.ru
Electronic suppression of enemy drones is one of the main functions of ground—based robotic platforms today, the expert added.
— The effectiveness depends on the complexes that are installed. The robotic platform performs the functions of a mobile device. And compared to conventional cars, a small vehicle will be able to drive where they cannot. And besides, it can be easier to hide or disguise. But there are also limitations — the larger the electronic warfare system, the more energy it consumes. The capacity of the platforms for some of them may not be enough," concluded Yuri Lyamin.
He added that similar solutions are being developed abroad, including in the United States and China.
What tasks do the NRTC perform?
Earlier, Izvestia reported that Russian troops had adapted the NRTC to clear passages for assault units. To do this, a roller or electromagnetic trawl is installed on them instead of the combat module. The first one undermines mines with rollers, which exert pressure on the ground and cause explosions. An electromagnetic trawl creates an electromagnetic field that activates mines with magnetic fuses. To clear the passages in the barriers, the devices are equipped with special dumps. Such facilities are installed on engineering barrier machines. At the same time, the NRTKS are relatively smaller and represent a more complex target, and besides, they are more maneuverable and capable of operating where conventional machines will not pass.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
Another option for using NRTKS at the forefront is to install various types of weapons on them, for example, large—caliber machine guns and rocket launchers with unguided aviation ammunition.
And the troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection (RCBZ) use ground-based drones to remotely set up smoke screens. They can hide fighters during assaults or during withdrawal.
The troops of unmanned systems appeared as a separate structure last fall. They have established governing bodies at all levels. Separate regiments of unmanned systems troops have been formed in the military districts, equipped with different types of drones: multi-rotor and aircraft-type, reconnaissance, interceptors, ground-based robotic systems.
Next year, the military department plans to open the country's first Higher Military School for Unmanned Systems Troops. The first cadets will be recruited at the same time. The institution will train officers.
Timofey Volkov
