The ongoing war in Ukraine has unfolded a complex battleground where military strategies and technological innovations intersect. Among the latest developments is the deliberate targeting by Russian troops of railway infrastructure. This strategy aims to cripple logistics chains vital for the Ukrainian military and economy. However, efforts to equip railway trains with electronic warfare (EW) systems have proven to be fraught with challenges and inadequacies.
Why EW is Not a Panacea
Sergeant Oleksandr Karpyuk, a member of the drone battalion “Inquisition” of the 59th OMBR, points out that electronic warfare does not offer a simple solution to modern threats. According to him, EW is a sophisticated capability that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Effective jamming of contemporary drones necessitates an understanding of their operating frequencies.
“To jam modern drone communication modules… a few vehicles are needed. A radio electronic intelligence (REI) post is required that understands the frequencies the modem is hopping to, how it operates, and what kind of interference to apply,” Karpyuk explains.
Before any jamming can occur, operators must analyze the frequencies drones utilize. Simply mounting a jamming device on a train carriage is not going to suffice in this high-stakes environment. The complexity of the task highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to electronic warfare.
“You cannot deploy EW units on every train. Unfortunately, we simply do not have enough of them,” the military noted.
What is the Way Out of the Situation
Given the challenges with electronic warfare, Karpyuk emphasizes a strategic shift. Instead of focusing solely on protecting individual trains, he advocates for a more robust overall air defense system. This overhaul should address existing vulnerabilities rather than just temporary fixes.
“We need to better protect the line; we need to close those gaps through which they fly. They need to be shot down better. We are working on this,” explained Oleksandr Karpyuk.
This holistic approach involves enhancing surveillance and interception capabilities, which can act as a deterrent to enemy attacks while providing a safety net for crucial supply routes.
The Enemy’s Goal – Terror and Destruction of the Economy
Karpyuk also underscores that Russian attacks on railway transport are not merely oriented towards military tactical advantages; they aim to instill fear and chaos among civilians. The targeting of essential civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and warehouses, signifies a broader intent.
“They attack warehouses of farms with medicines… they attack hospitals. Their goal is, firstly, the terror of the civilian population. Secondly, it is the destruction of our economy, not just the military,” Oleksandr Karpyuk summed up.
The Russian forces have been strategically disrupting the logistics route connecting Kyiv and Kovel, focusing specifically on trains, depots, and bridges. Intelligence suggests that drone operations may even be coordinated from Belarusian territory.
This sustained assault on infrastructure represents not just a challenge for military operations but also poses a significant threat to everyday life in Ukrainian society. Understanding the scale of this threat is vital for formulating effective defense strategies that can respond to both military and civilian implications.