What is the Strelets-M complex and how does the Russian army use it in Ukraine
During the special operation in Ukraine, the Russian military uses the intelligence, control and communications complex (KRUS) "Strelets-M". This system is capable of transmitting in real time the coordinates of small-sized camouflaged enemy objects from a reconnaissance group by tactical aircraft. How "Sagittarius" works - in the material of "Gazeta.Ru»
The Strelets-M complex has been in service with the Russian army since 2007 in an experimental version in military intelligence units. Officially, it was mentioned as part of the "Warrior" equipment, and its characteristics are still partially classified.
"Sagittarius-M" is a wearable computer with peripherals distributed over the scout's unloading vest. The weight of the complex is 2.4 kg. It allows you to target aircraft and artillery by finding out the coordinates of the target using a mini-radar and a laser rangefinder
The peculiarity of the system is that the Sagittarius-M complexes of each member of the intelligence group constantly exchange information, supplement and update it. The final information is sent to the head of the intelligence group and in real time to the command and end users of intelligence data, including aviation.
"Visually, these are just navigation tablets in the hands of special forces, which allow you to determine your location, and at the same time calculate the coordinates of the enemy. With navigation, everything is more or less clear, linking to the terrain is available even with the help of a regular "iPhone" or other similar gadget, but then the fun begins.
Information from different complexes "Sagittarius-M" is repeatedly checked and duplicated. As a result, its accuracy is approaching 100%," he told the newspaper.En" Doctor of Technical Sciences, retired Air Force Major General, military expert Leonid Tikhonov.
The expert noted that "Sagittarius" can issue recommendations independently, analyzing the messages of the entire network, but the final decision is made by the person - the commander of the unit.
"Orientation on the battlefield is crucial, as well as information about the location of the enemy. The principle of operation of the "Sagittarius" is that each fighter becomes a carrier of useful information even if he performs individual work at a distance, but sends signals in real time. The commander summarizes them and makes a decision on the use of certain firing means," the newspaper reported.Ru" former commander of the 31st Airborne Assault Brigade, Reserve Colonel Nikolai Nikulnikov.
Nikulnikov emphasized that a fighter who has a "Sagittarius" can not be distracted from performing his combat tasks at all, conduct fire contact with the enemy, but at the same time he will be an informant for his network and keep the command informed, which will use certain fire means, knowing the coordinates of the enemy.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation notes that the Strelets complex during a special military operation in Ukraine "allows for high accuracy in the use of operational and tactical aviation." Thanks to the data from the ground, which pilots receive in automatic mode, attack aircraft and fighter-bombers destroy camouflaged and small-sized targets with high accuracy, which are difficult to detect from the air or from space.
"The first combat use of the Strelets-M complex took place in Syria, where it was used in tandem with the Su-24M bomber to conduct reconnaissance and launch missile and bomb attacks. During the special operation in Ukraine, this complex serves fighter, bomber and assault tactical aircraft. Thanks to the Sagittarius-M, the VKS is hitting the APU with an accuracy of up to a meter. It is impossible to achieve such an effect by means of satellite reconnaissance," Tikhonov concluded.
Victor Sokirko
