Radio-frequency jamming is considered the best defense against enemy drones, as it involves broadcasting noise on the same frequency band used by drones for communication. While drone operators frequently change frequencies to evade jammers, an alternate approach is to jam all frequencies simultaneously. The Russians attempted this strategy, resulting in a failed operation that highlighted the limitations of such an approach.
Russian jammers, such as the Breakwater, can block specific frequency ranges, making vehicles immune to FPV attacks on that band. However, using the wrong frequency can result in drones bypassing the jammer and causing damage. To combat this, a new Russian ‘Frankentank’ was developed, equipped with a massive structure of electronic warfare gear on its roof. This tank led an attacking column and demonstrated the advanced electronic warfare capabilities of the Russian military.
In order for jammers to work effectively, they require a power source. While some Russian tanks have auxiliary power units, many do not, resulting in jammers becoming inactive when the tank engine is turned off. To address this issue, the Russians installed a generator and battery on the ‘Frankentank’ to ensure the jammer remained operational. When Ukrainian scout drones attempted to attack the Russian armored column, the jammers successfully defended against the FPV attack drones, causing them to malfunction.
The Ukrainians managed to penetrate the Russian jamming defenses using various tactics. They may have employed FPV drones that do not rely on radio communication but instead use fiber-optic cables, making them immune to jamming. Additionally, the Ukrainians may have deployed new FPV drones with automatic lock-on technology, allowing them to designate a target visually and continue towards it even if the radio connection is lost. Furthermore, the use of custom-made components on FPV drones may have allowed the Ukrainians to operate at non-standard frequencies, evading electronic warfare tactics.
Following the unsuccessful attack on the ‘Frankentank,’ the Ukrainians embarked on a recovery mission to salvage the tank. Despite being only 400 meters from Russian lines, Ukrainian troops managed to recover the tank over three nights. This successful mission involved untangling the tank from wire, defusing an anti-tank mine, and restarting the tank with a heavy battery. The tank was then driven back to Ukrainian lines, where all those involved in the recovery were commended for their efforts.
The recovery of the T-72B3M mod. 2022 tank from Russian forces showcases Ukrainian technical ingenuity and resilience in the face of Russian electronic warfare tactics. While the Russians continue to explore new methods to protect their tanks, such as turtle-like shells, their effectiveness remains in question. As both sides engage in a technological arms race, the use of custom components and unconventional tactics may be key to overcoming electronic warfare challenges and gaining a strategic advantage in future conflicts.
