Development of electronic warfare systems is one of the highest priority tasks for the Ukrainian defense industry, racing against russian drone technology advances and extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefields. Considering the importance of this effort, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) decided to create special units to conduct tests of the latest EW novelties in real combat conditions.
The official announcement was delivered yesterday, October 18, by the General Staff of UAF, during a forum held this September with the participation of private sector industries, the Ministry of Defense, and other ministries.
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Some of the newest EW systems have already been trialed in combat by these experimental detachments. The idea is that feedback based on real-life application conditions would make it easier for developers to improve their products. Based on the results of the experiments, the General Staff is planning to boost the production of selected systems and speed up the delivery of the latest devices to the front line.
The military top command underscores the importance of scaling both effectiveness and production volumes of Ukrainian-made EW equipment:
"In modern warfare realities, the number of hits inflicted by drones is on par with artillery. The frequency of UAV usage increases every month, and so does the number of their modifications. As of today, drone hits make up 60% [of the total]," Colonel Andrii Lebedenko, UAF Deputy Commander-in-Chief, said during the forum.
Therefore, he continued, developing EW systems needs particular quickness and flexibility. Another pressing matter nowadays is to teach more soldiers to use these systems in the field.
For a reminder from Defense Express, for that purpose, Ukrainian Armed Forces have started the Iron Polygon initiative — a governmental project for defense manufacturers that grants them quick and unrestricted access to fully equipped military proving grounds and get consulting from army experts free of charge.
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