Probably, no one will argue that communication has been one of the most important components of a modern army for decades. Even during the Second World War, the one who could provide the best information exchange between headquarters and units and units received a huge advantage. And vice versa, in case of misinformation of the enemy, or disruption of his communications, it was not easy for the latter to get out of the situation.
In general, nothing has changed over the past 80 years. Communication is still important, even more so, in light of the development of electronic warfare, electronic reconnaissance and suppression capabilities, communication becomes even more important.
Unfortunately, the state of communications in the modern Russian army is simply depressing. Especially at the very bottom, at the "company-platoon-squad" level. It is no better even higher, but the lower it is from the brigade headquarters, the sadder it is.
On the one hand, the time of many-kilogram lamp coffins such as "Astra" and "Sails" is a thing of the past. And to replace them?
But with the change, everything is not very good. It seems like there is "Sagittarius", "Aqueduct" … But exactly what "kind of like". Having visited more than one part of the most different types of troops, from RChBZ to motorized riflemen, I did not see new systems in any of them. None.
Moreover, it cannot be said that I did not see "Sagittarius" and "Aqueduct". Of course I did. It is clear where, at the forum "ARMY- …". There they were quietly present as exhibits, coupled with promises that "just about, no further than tomorrow" these systems will already appear in the troops.
It is possible that soon they will really appear where they are so needed. In the meantime … While in the hands of officers and sergeants of the Russian army of various types of troops, at best, "Baofengi" made in the PRC are in the hands of officers and sergeants.
There he is, so modestly close at hand … I didn’t take pictures on purpose, there was no need, but it’s not my fault that they were at every step.
Having asked a question to more competent comrades, in response I received a very comprehensive answer. Yes, new communication systems are going to the troops. But they are still categorically lacking, therefore, first of all, the units that are "on the cutting edge" are supplied, respectively, the officers are forced to acquire for themselves what is more convenient for them.
I don’t presume to judge how much the units and subdivisions of the 20th Army are “not important”, why, in fact, modern communication systems did not reach them. If from my point of view, then it is precisely the 20th Army that is on the border with the most inadequate of its neighbors, from which one can expect anything. And it is precisely here that the latest complexes should be in service, including communications.
Alas, "Kenwoods" and "Baofengs" are our everything. Unfortunately.
Apparently, "Streltsy" and "Aqueducts" are the lot of "court units" somewhere near Moscow. And on the border with Ukraine, the "Chinese" will easily come up.
Moreover, again, the military budget is not strained at all. The radio stations are bought by personnel in online stores or specialized trade establishments.
Whatever you want, but the fact that officers and sergeants buy radio stations for their own use is nonsense. Moreover, they buy what? That's right, civilian radio radios. Which anyone can listen to, draw any conclusions, not to mention the fact that all this is completely unreliable and simply offensive.
I did not use the above systems such as "Aqueduct", but I was able to evaluate the "Russian" product under the brand name "Argut". I had such an opportunity in 2015 to test it with the opportunity to keep the digital "Argut-77". In the end, he left the old "five" from "Baofeng", because it beat "Argut" in all respects. Further, cleaner, more reliable.
Apparently, this is why the 77th did not take root and was discontinued.
But these are all nuances. In general, the very presence of civilian radio stations in the troops is a delirium of inflamed imagination. Okay, the LDNR militia, everything went into business there, but the Russian army was using Chinese civilian radios from aliexpress … Excuse me, I have no other word but "disgrace".
But what is the most interesting? The most interesting thing is that a reaction may well follow to our critical articles. They read us there … But I think it is unlikely that the so expected normal communication systems with channels closed from extra ears will pour into the troops. Rather, the "Chinese" will be banned.
Although how to ban them? Then, in general, everyone will be left without this very connection, cursed and blessed. And what to do?
In general, I have a very poor idea of large-scale military operations performed by our units, where communication is entrusted to civilian "Chinese". Of course, we can say that this is such a cunning plan. That the enemy will put interference on the official ranges, and we, so cunning, will give commands to civilians and win everyone.
But something is so doubtful …
In the meantime, all these means of communication will crawl to reach the signalmen in the troops, they will not understand what (or rather, understand, but how!), Hiding Baofeng and Kenwoods from prying eyes (thanks for not Motorola at least), and pretend that they are using old ancient coffins with might and main.
Incidentally, an important aspect: I understand that there is some kind of museum antiquity in the parts. And it might even be possible to use it. It is clear that a normal officer or a contract sergeant will take with him to practice what is convenient for him. That is, a lightweight and reliable Chinese radio.
But then a check comes to the unit, say, from the district headquarters. Naturally, a command like "remove the Chinese!" And these ancient monsters will be removed from the warehouses and lockers. And here the whole question is solely in the ability to use them. I think that the level will not be expectedly advanced.
This is not a very beautiful situation. Of course, when I see in the hands of officers these same R-168-0.5UDE, which are "Aqueduct", I will squeal with joy and with great pleasure I will create a whole reportage on this topic.
If, of course, I am destined to see this pleasant moment. But as long as I live, I hope. I hope that communication in our army will be not only in words, on paper and by wire TA-57.
I really hope so.
