Ukrainian drone strikes are significantly degrading russian air defense capabilities. In response, russian forces are actively searching for protection measures, one of which has recently been outlined in a patent.
The concept involves equipping the Tor system with electronic warfare (EW) modules. These are positioned diagonally on the vehicle and can operate in two modes: omnidirectional suppression of UAVs at ranges of up to 500 meters, or a narrow sector mode reaching up to 5,000 meters.
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The placement of these systems is designed to ensure that EW operations do not interfere with the air defense system itself, particularly its radar. In omnidirectional mode, the system can operate continuously or be activated on demand via a detector.
The sector mode, notably, is intended specifically to counter reconnaissance UAVs. It relies on a set of directional antennas and an amplifier unit paired with the SAM system's guidance radar, rotating together with it.
This is a noteworthy approach, given that reconnaissance drones, especially fixed-wing types, are frequently used to detect russian air defense systems and guide follow-on strikes. They can also act as relay nodes for strike UAVs.
Since this is currently only a patent, it remains unclear whether such a system has already been deployed in practice or exists only on paper. In many cases, concepts described in patents are never implemented in actual hardware.
The extensive use of UAVs by Ukrainian Defense Forces is forcing russian forces to develop countermeasures. As a result, equipment is increasingly fitted with improvised protective structures and cages, while air defense units are reinforced with additional assets specifically aimed at countering drones.
Electronic warfare appears to be one possible solution, as it can at least complicate UAV control. However, this approach also has limitations, including the inability to cover all possible frequencies and the growing use of autonomous targeting algorithms that reduce reliance on external control.
This article is based in part on materials from the Telegram channel Tanks. History and Modernity (Btvt.info).
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