UKRAINE: KRASUKHA-4 Electronic Warfare System

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On March 22, the Ukrainian Defence Forces captured parts of the Krasukha-4 system. It is a Russian mobile, ground-based electronical warfare (EW) complex. This is significant because this is one of the most capable EW systems that Russia possesses, so it will be a game-changer now that the West has a model to study. 

KRASUKHA-4 SYSTEM

The Krasukha-4 is two-part structure that has the radio jamming equipment and a command post module. They are mounted on two KAMAZ-6350 trucks. It is believed that they work in conjunction with another EW system called Moskva-1, or 1L267, that is equipped with electronical intelligence equipment that provides the targeting data for the Krasukha-4. 

It is manufactured by the company KRET (Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies), that is a subsidiary of Rostec group. This is a Russian state-owned firm that specializes in radio-electronic, aviation and state identification equipment, amongst other things. In 2014, the US' Obama administration imposed sanctions on KRET as penalty for involvement in the Crimean annexation and Donbas conflict in Ukraine. 


Krasukha- 4 Electronical Warfare System, also known as 1RL257.

The Krasukha-4 functions as a broadband multifunctional jamming station. It specifically targets airborne radar systems, such as Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW & C) systems.  This EW machine has a range that has the ability to disrupt low Earth orbit satellites and can permanently damage targeted radio-electronic devices. Krasukha-4 also has the ability to target ground based radar systems. It has an operational range of 150 to 300 kilometres, according to open sourced documentation. It can also target drones and missile systems.

The Russians would use this system to weaken the enemy's ability to use radar and airborne systems, but they can also use it to shield their own military equipment from enemy surveillance. They were first put in use by the Russian army in 2012. The system has been designed to combat attacks from the enemy side using advanced technologies. On top of all this, it has a bulletproof armour for small calibre 7.62mm weapons. 

There is also the Krasukha-2 in this same family, which is the analogue version, while the Krasukha-4 is the digital version. Another difference is that the Krasukha-2 is made up of three different parts, while the Krasukha-4 has only 2 parts. The development of the earlier models started in the mid-1990s. Both work on the concept that they create powerful interference at all main, spare and reserve frequencies and models of operation of  radio-emitting and radar systems and other relevant equipment. 

In 2018, it was reported that the Krasukha-2 is being updated so that the whole system can be mounted on one truck, and it can also be used against spy satellites. 

WHERE HAVE THEY BEEN USED

These EW systems have been used by the Russians in the conflict in Syria. Reports say that they were used to block American surveillance drones to stop them from receiving GPS signals. When Turkey got involved in the war, the Krasukha-4 system was responsible to derail a Bayraktar drone by making it to lose control.  

The sister model, the Krasukha-2 was found in the Luhansk region of Ukraine in 2018. They are also reported to be used in Azerbaijan to counter the Bayraktars drones made by Turkey, as well as the so called suicide drones, Harop loitering munitions made in Israel.  

WHAT HAPPENED IN UKRAINE?

It is purported that this EW system was found about 70kms from Kyiv, in the surroundings of Makariv. It was found removed from its truck, partly damaged. At first, the odd shape of the Krasukha-4 befuddled analysts as it just looked like some random container. Twitter account Ukraine Weapons Tracker, was one of the first accounts to identify the weapon. 

It is not obvious why this Krashukha-4 was abandoned. Some damage can be seen on part of the entry door, and half of the system is missing. It looks like there was some attempt to hide it, we can see there are branches on top of the container to camouflage it from any aircrafts. The problem, for the Russians, is that this system will now end up in allied hands. NATO, America, and maybe Ukraine, will take this system out piece by piece to figure out exactly what is inside. 

Closer look at the damaged Krasukha-4 command post part found near Kiyv

It has already been stated that Russia has not used their full electronical warfare capability in Ukraine. This system is one of their most potent and advanced weapons in their arsenal. By capturing it, the West will gain valuable military information that they will then use to further develop their own countries' electronical warfare capabilities. 

CONCLUSION

It is very interesting that Ukraine could capture such a system and now we have a good opportunity to disseminate it. Electronical warfare increasingly becomes important in a modern war setting. It is often called the invisible war for a very good reason. These Krasukha-4s are powerful enough to ground Apache helicopters, and our most capable drones! 

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