One of the most actively developing classes of technology at the present time is the means of electronic warfare. In recent years, a large number of systems of this class have been created in our country, intended for use on ships, aircraft and self-propelled land chassis. In the near future, new electronic warfare systems of one purpose or another, including strategic ones, will have to appear. New details of the creation of a strategic electronic warfare system were announced a few days ago.
Some details of the current work in creating a strategic electronic warfare system were disclosed by the press service of the Concern "Radioelectronic Technologies" (KRET). It is reported that at present the enterprises of the concern are working on the creation of a promising electronic warfare system intended for use at the strategic level. Due to a number of characteristic features, the new complexes, united in a single network, will be able to perform certain combat missions that can cause serious damage to the enemy's communication and control systems, thereby changing the course of an armed conflict.
Complex "Murmansk-BN" in position. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / Mil.ru
The current foreign work was named as a reason for starting the development of a promising strategic system. In recent years, the armed forces of the United States and other NATO countries have been working on the implementation of the concept of the so-called. network-centric control of the conduct of hostilities on the basis of a single information and communication space. The essence of this concept lies in the widest use of various means of communication, allowing all units and their fighters, as well as control structures, to interact through a common network. The main benefit of this approach is a dramatic reduction in the time required to transfer data from intelligence to consumers.
The answer to the current foreign work, according to the current domestic plans, should be the creation of a strategic electronic warfare system, one of the main tasks of which will be to disrupt the operation of the enemy's network-centric control facilities. Advisor to the first deputy general director of KRET Vladimir Mikheev noted that the creation of such systems can be called the implementation of the network-centric principle in defense.
The main idea of a promising domestic project is to disrupt the operation of the network-centric communication and control structure. Suppression of radio channels used by the enemy for one purpose or another will seriously disrupt the interaction of its subunits and structures, thereby sharply reducing the effectiveness of their combat work. Unable to timely receive the full amount of required data, formations and units, as well as the command of different levels, risk being in a very difficult situation.
Transportation of funds "Murmansk-BN" by rail. Photo Russianarms.ru
One of the main goals of the promising Russian electronic warfare system may be the US Air Force's HFGCS (High Frequency Global Communications System) Global Shortwave Communication System. With the help of this communications complex, the American command is currently exercising control over the work of the strategic nuclear forces and military aviation. A large number of ground-based radio control stations, as well as the corresponding equipment of aircraft and airfields, makes it possible to unite all members of the complex into a common network through which orders from the command are transmitted and flight control is carried out. Also, if necessary, ships of the naval forces and formations of the US or NATO ground forces can be connected to the common network.
According to known data, the HFGCS communication system uses single-band telephony with operation on several main and spare frequencies in the range from 3 to 25 MHz. It is noteworthy that the ratings of the frequencies used in the radio exchange are indicated openly. Thus, in spite of its importance, the US Air Force's Global Shortwave Communication System can in theory be suppressed by means of electronic warfare with appropriate characteristics.
In the context of creating a strategic electronic warfare system, one of the newest complexes of this class is mentioned. The existing Murmansk-BN complex may become an element of a promising system. A number of such complexes have already been built and handed over to the Russian armed forces, which have begun to fully operate the new materiel. In addition, additional funds are currently being created to improve the characteristics of existing equipment and expand its capabilities. Such work, reportedly, has already reached the stage of trial operation of promising products.
Part of the complex can be mounted on two-axle trailers. Photo Russianarms.ru
According to the latest data, specialists of the Russian defense industry have developed a special subsystem designed to ensure the interaction of several complexes of electronic warfare "Murmansk-BN". With the help of this development, individual means of electronic warfare will be combined into a single network and controlled through it. The prototype of the subsystem for working with the Murmansk-BN complexes has already passed all the necessary tests, including state ones. Based on the results of the checks, the subsystem was recommended for adoption.
The few open data on the new project clearly indicate that one of the main elements of a promising strategic electronic warfare system will have to be the Murmansk-BN complex. This complex is already in service with the Russian army and is being mass-produced for the purpose of supplying to certain formations. It has high characteristics that allow solving the assigned tasks within the framework of large districts and entire regions. It should be expected that the development of a new subsystem responsible for the joint operation of the complexes will significantly increase the potential of Murmansk-BN due to more efficient centralized control.
The electronic warfare system "Murmansk-BN" is one of the most powerful domestic systems of its class. It differs from other complexes in size and composition, as well as in range. Due to the use of powerful transmitters and other equipment with high characteristics, suppression of short-wave radio communication channels at ranges of up to 5 thousand km is ensured. Thus, only one complex in a working position is able to control the situation in a large region, if necessary, "jamming" enemy radio channels with interference.
Command post. Photo VO
The price for the unique high performance was the large dimensions and weight of the complex components. The basis of Murmansk-BN is seven four-axle KamAZ trucks. Support platforms with antenna mast devices, a control point, power systems, etc. are mounted on serial chassis with a high carrying capacity. It is known that antenna devices can be mounted both on cars and on two-axle trailers, which must be towed by trucks with similar equipment. The set of electronic warfare systems includes a large number of cables designed to connect individual elements of the complex during its preparation for work. A complex grid system that serves as an antenna deserves special mention.
Probably one of the most interesting elements of the Murmansk-BN complex are vehicles with antenna-mast devices. A swinging system with a telescopic mast is attached to the cargo platform of the base truck, which has outrigger jacks for stabilization in the working position. Due to the expansion of the seven-section structure of a square cross-section, the upper elements of the antenna are raised to a height of 32 m. On different parts of the mast, fasteners are also provided for installing various sections of the antenna cloth. Raising and expanding the mast is carried out using several hydraulic drives.
During the deployment of the complex, vehicles with masts occupy the required position in a "semicircle". Next, the antenna cables are installed on the mountings of the mast, after which the antenna-mast devices can be lifted to the operating position. After that, the complex forms an antenna 800 m long. A control point and other elements of the complex are located next to such an antenna. In total, 640 thousand sq. M. Are required for the placement of Murmansk-BN. Due to the significant labor intensity of the work, the deployment process takes 72 hours.
Machine with antenna mast device. You can see the elements of the antenna itself. Photo VO
According to available data, the new domestic electronic warfare system is capable of monitoring the situation on the air and detecting signals of certain enemy radio-electronic equipment operating on short waves. The high sensitivity of the equipment and the high power of the transmitters makes it possible to find and then suppress the communication systems of the operational-tactical and operational-strategic level. The possibility of suppressing radio communications at ranges of up to 5 thousand km is declared, which is a record among domestic complexes of this class. In some modes of operation, the radiation power reaches 400 kW, which provides uniquely high characteristics of the operating range.
Operating in the short-wave range, the Murmansk-BN complex is capable of hindering or excluding the operation of various means of communication and control of a potential enemy. So, one of its "targets" may be elements of the American HFGCS system, which uses precisely these frequencies. In addition, the calculation of the complex can interfere with the normal operation of other means of communication and control used by combat aviation, the navy or ground forces. Taking into account the declared range characteristics, it is not difficult to predict the consequences of the full-fledged combat use of the Murmansk-BN complex in an armed conflict.
To date, the Russian armed forces have received several new electronic warfare systems. In December 2014, the first serial Murmansk-BN complex was handed over to the coastal forces of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. Soon, the servicemen mastered the new technique, after which they had the opportunity to test the acquired skills in practice. In March 2015, the electronic warfare units were involved in a surprise check of the combat readiness of the troops, during which they used their materiel to disrupt the work of reconnaissance aircraft of the imaginary enemy. The ground complex was supposed to prevent the aircraft from transferring the collected data to the base. As reported by the command of the armed forces, within the framework of the exercises, the crews of "Murmansk-BN" fully coped with the assigned tasks, and the complex confirmed its capabilities.
Satellite image of the position of the Murmansk-BN complex. Photo Russianarms.ru
It is known about the deployment of the Murmansk-BN complexes in the Sevastopol region. In addition, the continuation of the serial production of the latest technology will allow the continued rearmament of troops, which will result in the emergence of complexes with unique characteristics in new directions. As a result, most of the country's borders and border regions will be covered by electronic warfare systems. The recently developed and tested control subsystem, which allows combining the Murmansk-BN complexes into a single network, will give them new opportunities. Apparently, the further development of control facilities will lead to the formation of a full-fledged electronic warfare system of a strategic level, which closes all borders of the state and neighboring regions abroad.
It is not hard to guess what the consequences of the successful completion of the construction of a strategic electronic warfare system, the main elements of which will be the Murmansk-BN complexes, may be. Thus, the complexes located in the western regions of the country will be able to “hit” targets throughout Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Placement in the Far Eastern regions will give control over a significant area of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding regions. Complexes of the Northern Fleet, in turn, can "block" the entire Arctic, as well as Greenland and even part of the northern regions of Canada.
The successful implementation of existing plans for the construction of a strategic electronic warfare system will give our country an additional means of deterring a potential adversary, not related to the use of nuclear weapons. The presence on duty of a certain number of Murmansk-BN complexes, all the more connected by a single control subsystem, may be a factor that can have a significant impact on the course of an armed conflict. Moreover, the very fact of the existence of such an electronic warfare system may be a sufficient reason for abandoning aggressive plans. The high risk of losing communication channels at the operational-tactical and operational-strategic level in itself should be considered a good means of deterring a potential adversary. It is unlikely that the aggressor will dare to conduct hostilities, knowing that at least part of his control systems will be disabled.
One of the operators of the electronic warfare complex at his workplace. Photo VO
According to available data, since 2014, the Russian armed forces have received and put into operation several Murmansk-BN electronic warfare systems, not counting other equipment of a similar purpose of other types. Also recently, work has been completed on a control subsystem that integrates electronic warfare systems into a common network. On the basis of this subsystem and existing, as well as, possibly, promising complexes with high performance, the newest strategic electronic warfare system will be built in the foreseeable future. Even now, it is difficult to overestimate the effect of completing such a program.
It should be noted that the overall complexity of work on the creation of a large strategic system should have a corresponding effect on the timing of the plans. Official data on the timing of the completion of the work has not yet been published. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that the full-fledged operation of the promising system will begin no earlier than the end of the current decade. Only then will the country be able to obtain an additional means of defense against a possible attack.
The development of domestic means of electronic warfare continues, resulting in the emergence of more and more complexes of various classes and for different purposes. In addition, the issue of creating a system uniting existing and prospective complexes into one large strategic structure has appeared on the agenda. The existing successes in the field of electronic warfare make it possible to look into the future with optimism. Over the next few years, the Russian armed forces will be able to begin operating the latest systems that are of particular importance to the country's security.
