Air defense of Czechoslovakia. In 1990, the air defense system of Czechoslovakia reached the peak of its power. Only the capital of Czechoslovakia, Prague, was covered by a dozen anti-aircraft missile divisions - S-75M / M3, S-125M / M1A and S-200VE, located at stationary positions. However, more than half of the air defense systems of the air defense forces of Czechoslovakia were first-generation complexes with missiles that required refueling with liquid fuel and an oxidizer.
The layout of the positions of the air defense missile system on the territory of Czechoslovakia as of 1989
The beginning rearmament to the new multi-channel anti-aircraft missile systems S-300PMU with solid-propellant missiles was interrupted due to the collapse of the "socialist camp" in Eastern Europe. Also, the planned deliveries of new mobile systems for military air defense were stopped.
Anti-aircraft missile forces of the Czech Republic
After abandoning the communist ideology, Czechoslovakia did not remain a single state for long. On January 1, 1993, as a result of a conflict between national political elites, the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic was officially divided into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. In 1994, the main issues of the division of military property of the Czechoslovak armed forces were officially settled between the countries. Unlike the process of the collapse of other states, which happened as a result of the defeat of the Soviet Union in the Cold War, the acquisition of sovereignty by the Czech Republic and Slovakia took place peacefully. The parties, without much dispute, managed to agree on an amicable division of the military legacy inherited from a well-equipped army, which was considered one of the most combat-ready in Eastern Europe.
The affected areas of the Czech air defense systems S-75M3, S-125M1A and S-200VE as of 1994
Already four years after the collapse of the communist regime, the number of radar posts and air defense missile systems decreased many times over. In 1991, all obsolete SA-75M complexes with a 10-cm range guidance station were written off. By 1994, in the Czech Republic, all the S-75M air defense systems were put into reserve and three of the five C-200VE air defense systems were removed from combat duty. The precipitous reduction in the financing of the military budget led to the fact that already in 1998, the air defense forces of the Czech Republic abandoned the S-73M3 and S-200VE air defense systems, which were quite new at that time. The end of the ideological confrontation between East and West and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact Organization led to the fact that the Czech leadership, while reducing the risk of a major armed conflict to a minimum, decided it would be irrational to keep complexes with liquid anti-aircraft missiles in combat positions, the operation of which required considerable expenses. However, the service of the low-altitude complexes S-125M1A was also short-lived; the last Neva complexes in the Czech Republic were retired in 2001.
Unlike the object air defense systems located at stationary positions, army mobile anti-aircraft systems have not been subjected to such large-scale reductions. First of all, the Czechs got rid of the outdated, ineffective Strela-1M systems and the Krug air defense missile systems, which are very problematic in operation. At the time of the end of the Cold War, the Czechoslovak People's Army had seven "Cuban" regiments, which were divided 4: 3 between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Self-propelled launcher of the Czech air defense missile system "Cub"
The desire to save on defense costs, which resulted in a continuous series of "optimizations" led to the fact that of the medium-range complexes in Czechoslovakia, only the "Cub" air defense missile system remained. In 2000, it was decided to reduce all the remaining air defense systems in service to the 43rd anti-aircraft missile brigade with headquarters in Strakonice. The brigade, in addition to the divisions armed with the "Cube" complexes, included units equipped with mobile short-range air defense systems "Osa-AKM" and "Strela-10M". Organizationally, the anti-aircraft missile brigade and radar airspace control were subordinate to the command of the air force.
Czech air defense system "Strela-10M"
In 2003, the 43rd air defense brigade was renamed the 25th air defense brigade. Due to the deterioration of equipment and the impossibility of replenishing ammunition with new anti-aircraft missiles, the Czech Air Force command was forced in 2008 to write off all the 9K33M3 Osa-AKM air defense systems, and in 2012 the oldest 2K12M Cub-M air defense systems, leaving only relatively fresh complexes in service 2K12M3 "Cube-M3" and SAM 9K35M "Strela-10M". After the staff reduction, the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade in 2013 shrank to the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment.
In the late 1980s, there were plans to replace the Strela-2M MANPADS in the armed forces of Czechoslovakia with the more long-range and jam-resistant Igla-1 MANPADS. However, these plans, in connection with the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, were not destined to come true. According to the reference data, the Strela-2M MANPADS are still in service with the Czech army, but they are in storage and have not been fired for more than 10 years.
Launch of an anti-aircraft missile of the Czech short-range air defense system RBS-70NG
After the decommissioning of part of the "Cube" complexes and all the "Osa" air defense systems, the Czech Republic purchased 16 short-range air defense systems RBS-70 from Sweden. Apparently, these are RBS 70 Mk 2 complexes, with a BOLIDE missile equipped with a cumulative fragmentation warhead with ready-made striking elements in the form of tungsten balls. The warhead of the missile is equipped with a non-contact fuse, which is triggered when a miss is up to 3 m. A missile guided missile guided by the "laser trail" method is capable of hitting air targets at a distance of up to 8000 m, with a ceiling - 5000 m. In a number of sources, this complex is called "portable", but with a mass in a combat position of about 90 kg - of course it is not. Although the firing range of the latest modifications of the transported RBS-70 air defense systems is comparable to the Osa-AKM complex, the Swedish complex cannot be considered a full replacement. All elements of the "Osa" air defense system were placed on a floating chassis. The Soviet mobile complex had its own detection radar. In addition, unlike laser-guided missiles, the 9M33M3 radio command missiles used as part of the Osa-AKM air defense system could be effectively used at night, in poor visibility conditions: in fog, smoke and dusty atmosphere.
Radar ReVISOR
To control the actions of the fire platoon of the RBS-70 air defense system, the Czech company RETIA from Pardubice, part of the CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP holding, has created a small-sized towed radar ReVISOR. The operation of the first station in the 25th ZRP began in 2014. As of the end of 2018, 6 such radars were in operation.
Radar ReVISOR in position
The ReVISOR radar is characterized by a very compact size, high mobility and short transfer times. The radar can be mounted on a light truck or in a towed van. The rotating antenna is placed on a mast capable of raising it to a height of 6.5 m. The detection range of aircraft and helicopters is 25 km, small-sized drones are detected at a range of up to 19 km.
Modernization of the air defense missile system "Cube"
At the beginning of the 21st century, it became clear that the remaining in service with the "Kub" air defense system need modernization and overhaul. The Czech Ministry of Defense has chosen the "minor modernization" option proposed by RETIA. At the same time, the main composition and principles of the complex functioning did not change. In the course of repair and modernization work, a part of the electronic units of the self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance unit 1S91 was transferred to a new element base, and modern means of communication, guidance and a computer complex were introduced into the hardware part of the air defense missile system, which makes it possible to optimally calculate the affected area and the time of opening fire. The upgraded version of the SURN 1C91 was designated SURN CZ in 2007 and began to comply with NATO standards. After modernization and repairs, the range of destruction and the number of targets fired remained at the same level, but it was possible to reduce operating costs and extend the service life of the complexes. Thanks to the modernization of the air defense system "Kub" was linked to the automated command and control system RACCOS of the Czech Armed Forces. However, even after the modernization, it was quite obvious that, in their current form, the Czech mobile air defense systems "Cube" have no prospects of remaining in service for a long time. It was not only about the single-channel and low noise immunity of the Soviet complexes, whose age has already exceeded 30 years. With a guaranteed shelf life of anti-aircraft missiles of 10 years, the reliability of the 3M9M3E missiles available in the Czech army is in question. According to information published in open sources, the storage deadlines for these missiles in 2015 finally expired. Indirectly, this is confirmed by the fact that the Kub air defense missile system batteries go to the exercises of the 25th air defense missile system with one missile on a self-propelled launcher.
Anti-aircraft missile battery "Cube" of the armed forces of the Czech Republic on the march
In 2009, the RETIA company, together with the Czech Ministry of Defense and the Air Defense Department of the Military University in Brno, began research on the possibility of replacing the standard 3M9M3 missiles with other missiles. At the same time, the main criteria were the minimum changes made to the design of the "Kub" air defense system, and low cost. In 2011, in Brno (Czech Republic) at the IDET-2011 military exhibition and at the air show in Le Bourget (France), a sample of the Cube air defense system equipped with an Italian-made Aspide 2000 anti-aircraft guided missile was exhibited. Like the Soviet SAM 3M9M3, the Aspide 2000 missile has a semi-active radar homing head.
Anti-aircraft missile Aspide 2000
The Aspide 2000 SAM originates from the Aspide Mk.1 air-to-air missile developed by Selenia on the basis of the American AIM-7 Sparrow medium-range missile launcher. The Aspide 2000 missiles are used as part of the Skyguard-Aspide and Spada 2000 land-based air defense systems. The latest Aspide 2000 missiles have a firing range of up to 25 km and weigh about 250 kg.
Self-propelled launcher 2P25 with SAM Aspide 2000
The 2P25 self-propelled launcher of the "Cube" complex accommodates three TPKs with Aspide 2000 missiles. The new system of the computer complex allows the complex to be targeted according to the standard 1C91M2 radar system developed by the SURN CZ program. The target illumination station, after revision, became compatible with the Aspide 2000 missile defense system. The launch complex is equipped with new data transmission equipment to prepare for the launch of the missile defense system.
In 2012-2013, test launches of Aspide 2000 missiles took place in Italy. However, despite certain prospects, the decision on a radical modernization of the Cube air defense systems that remained in service with the Czech army was never made. Apparently, this was due to the budget deficit of the Czech military department.
The current state of the anti-aircraft missile forces of the Czech Republic
Currently, the 25th anti-aircraft missile regiment has two sections of guided anti-aircraft missiles: 251st and 252nd. Section 251 includes four batteries of the upgraded Kub air defense missile systems. However, despite the fact that Czech "Cubes" are regularly demonstrated at military parades and during exercises are deployed in the vicinity of air bases and nuclear power plants, a number of experts express doubts about the combat effectiveness of these complexes, whose missiles have long exceeded their service life.
Launcher 2P25 SAM "Cube" deployed during the exercise Safeguard Temelin 2017 near the Temelin NPP
According to information published in the media, in the near future, the Czechs expect, within the framework of allied assistance, to receive air defense systems from NATO partners with a launch range of at least 100 km. These requirements are met by the Patriot PAC-3 and Aster 30 complexes. However, given that the rearmament program is estimated at $ 450 million, the prospects for its implementation are vague.
Czech short-range air defense system RBS-70
Until recently, the firepower of the 252nd section consisted of two batteries (8 complexes each) of the short-range air defense missile system RBS-70 and two batteries of the self-propelled Strela-10M (16 units). Currently, the Strela-10M short-range air defense systems are being decommissioned, in 2020 they are planned to be replaced by the RBS-70NG produced by Saab Dynamics AB, for which $ 50 million has been allocated.
ACS RACCOS
Since 2007, the RACCOS automated system has been used for the operational control of the actions of the 251st and 252nd anti-aircraft missile sections. Like many other air defense systems of the Czech Republic, the RACCOS ACS was created by the RETIA company. The compact air defense ACS is located on the chassis of the Tatra 815-26WR45 with a 4x4 wheel arrangement. There is a trailed diesel generator for autonomous power supply.
Workstations of RACCOS ACS operators
In order to reduce the reaction time and prompt response to threats, RACCOS ICS uses digital technologies. The modular system with an open architecture allows you to extend the life cycle and upgrade the hardware in accordance with customer requirements. Information about the air situation and the commands required for combat control is transmitted in real time using a radio communication network. The automated control system integrates radars and air defense systems into a centralized one. It allows high-speed data exchange between air defense units of various levels.
Radar control of Czech airspace
The Czech Republic inherited an impressive fleet of radars from Czechoslovakia, most of which were built using outdated hardware components. Simultaneously with the decommissioning of the S-75M / M3, S-125M / M1A and S-200VE target air defense systems, as well as the Krug military complexes, the Czech armed forces abandoned radars: P-12, P-14, P-15, P-30M, P-35. More modern ones: "Defense-14", P-18, P-19 and P-40 - retired in the first decade of the 21st century. Due to the high complexity and cost of maintaining in working order, the Czechs abandoned radar systems 5N87 ("Cab-66") and 64Zh6 ("Cab-66M"), as well as three-dimensional radars 22Zh6M ("Desna-M").
Currently, the 26th command, warning and surveillance regiment is responsible for radar control of the airspace over the Czech Republic. Seven radar companies of the 262nd radio technical battalion are directly involved in lighting the air situation, determining the coordinates and characteristics of air targets necessary for issuing target designation of air defense missile systems and guiding fighter-interceptors. The 262nd RTB operates all-round stations: P-37M, ST-68U (CZ), Selex RAT-31 DL, Pardubice RL-4AS and RL-4AM Morad, as well as PRV-17 radio altimeters. Radar posts are evenly distributed throughout the country and ensure the formation of a continuous radar field.
Layout of radar posts in the Czech Republic
The two-coordinate P-37M standby radars, operating in the centimeter frequency range and used in conjunction with the PRV-17 altimeters, are the most widespread in the Czech Air Force. At the beginning of the 21st century, the P-37M and PRV-17 underwent major overhauls and "minor modernization" at the RETIA enterprise in Pardubice. Now these plants are in the final stages of their life cycle and should be decommissioned in the next few years.
Satellite image of Google Earth: a radar post as part of the P-37M and PRV-17 radars in the vicinity of the village of Polichka
To compensate for gaps that may form in the radar field after the P-37M radar is decommissioned, the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic ordered 8 ELTA EL / M-2084MR radars with a total value of $ 112.3 million. According to a contract with Israeli Elta Systems, part of the components will be supplied by a Czech company RETIA.
Antenna post of radar EL / M-2084
The three-dimensional radar EL / M-2084, operating in the frequency range 2 - 4 GHz, is mounted on a mobile chassis and can detect artillery positions at a distance of up to 100 km, and air targets up to 410 km. The first Israeli-made radar is to be put on alert in 2020.
In addition to the P-37M radar, the Czech Republic operates two Soviet-made radars - ST-68U. These three-coordinate combat mode radars, delivered shortly before the collapse of the ATS, are still considered quite modern.
Satellite image of Google Earth: radar ST-68U in the vicinity of the village of Trzebotoviz
In 2008, RETIA launched a radar overhaul and modernization program. The upgraded stations were designated ST-68U СZ. Thanks to the use of modern element base, it was possible to increase the level of reliability and sensitivity of the receiving path. The radar has introduced new means of displaying information and communication. Unlike the P-37M, the Czechs are not going to abandon the ST-68U CZ stations, and intend to keep them in service for at least another 10 years.
The first Czech development brought to mass production in the field of radar was the Pardubice RL-4AS radar. Its creation has been carried out by TESLA Pardubice specialists since the mid-1980s. Deliveries of RL-4AS radars began after the independence of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Antenna post of radar RL-4AS
Originally, this two-coordinate station was created for air traffic control at airports and did not have digital signal processing. In the second half of the 1990s, the radar was modified in order to increase noise immunity, and several copies entered the radar companies of the joint command of the Air Force-Air Defense of the Czech Republic. The station consists of an antenna post, a van with equipment and two diesel power generators. To transport all the elements, three Tatra 148 trucks are used. With a pulse power of 800 kW, the "militarized" RL-4AS radar is able to see a target flying at an altitude of 9000 m at a distance of up to 200 km.
Radar RL-4AM Morad
The upgraded version of the station with digital information processing is known as the RL-4AM Morad. This radar uses a modern element base, the antenna post is located on the hardware van.
To the southeast of Brno, in the vicinity of the village of Sokolnice, there is a stationary radar station Selex RAT-31 DL. In the past, the 64Zh6 radar complex ("Kabina-66M") was deployed on this site, which issued target designation to the anti-aircraft missile divisions of the 76th air defense missile brigade of the 2nd air defense division. The Selex RAT-31 DL radar is manufactured by the Italian company Leonardo and is designed for continuous airspace monitoring within a radius of up to 500 km.
Czech radar radar Selex RAT-31 DL
Under the radio-transparent dome, installed on a concrete base, there is an active phased antenna array, emitting in the 1-1.5 GHz range and making 6 revolutions per minute.
Satellite image of Google Earth: Selex RAT-31 DL radar in the vicinity of the village of Sokolnice
The Selex RAT-31 DL radar in Sokolnitsa was commissioned in 2008. Currently, this powerful radar is considered a key element of the Czech air defense. Information from it is directly automatically transmitted to the joint NATO command and to the national air defense command center in Stara Boleslav, known as the 261st Control and Warning Center.
In addition to airspace monitoring using ground-based radars, in 2011 the Czech Republic became the eighteenth country to participate in NATO's Airborne Early Warning and Control (NAEW & C) program with AWACS aircraft. Participation in the NAEW & C program costs the Czech Republic about $ 4 million per year.
After joining NATO in 1999, Prague was forced to spend significant financial resources to switch to communication and control systems compatible with NATO standards. At the same time, an audit of the military legacy inherited from Czechoslovakia was carried out. The Czech Republic was unable to allocate funds for defense needs comparable to those spent during the Cold War, which inevitably led to a landslide reduction in defense spending and could not but affect the air defense forces. According to experts who watched the Czech military who participated in NATO maneuvers, they have a fairly high level of training, but the Czech air defense forces are very small in number and are not able to cover most of the strategically important facilities in the country. Currently, the Czech air defense ground forces and fighter fleet meet the requirements of peacetime, but are unable to withstand collisions with a strong enemy.
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