The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for the first time demonstrated the footage of the highly mobile multi-functional complex of electronic warfare (EW) of the new generation "Palantin-K". The calculations of this system successfully completed the task of intercepting an enemy drone as part of large-scale tank exercises at the Luga training ground (Leningrad Region).
“The complex was deployed from the march in the shortest possible time of 30 minutes and set to work on detecting, tracking, blocking and suppressing communication channels of targets. The calculations of the complex determined the location, type of signal of unmanned aerial vehicles of the enemy and calculated the location of the quadrocopter operator with an explosive object, ”the military department said.
Blind the Enemy
"Palantin-K" is designed to suppress existing and promising enemy radio communication systems, as well as to conduct electronic intelligence. The complex debuted at the international military-technical forum "Army - 2016". At the exhibition, he was represented by the United Instrument-Making Corporation (OPK, part of Rostec).
Deliveries of Palantina-K to the troops began in 2019. Today they are equipped with parts of the Western and Central military districts. For the first time, the system was used in exercises near Voronezh in mid-September of this year. The battalion tactical group of the complex provided cover for the interspecific grouping of troops, drowning out the radio communications and electronic intelligence systems of the conditional enemy in a strip about 1000 km wide.
According to the defense industry, Palantin-K is capable of suppressing data transmission facilities based on the modern software-defined platform SDR (Software-defined radio). We are talking about radio equipment that uses software. It is believed that SDR will become the main technology in the field of radio communications.
As stated in the materials of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the Palantina-K capabilities allow to “blind the enemy” in the short-wave (HF) and ultra-short-wave (VHF) ranges, as well as deprive him of cellular and trunking communications.
“In addition to this, the complex is endowed with a system-forming function, that is, it is able to combine various electronic warfare systems and electronic intelligence into a single working network, which significantly increases the efficiency of their use,” the military department website says.
In an interview with RT, the founder of the Military Russia portal Dmitry Kornev explained that Palantin-K is a highly effective means of interfering with all radio transmitters and radio stations at a certain operational tactical depth. In practice, the complex can be used to combat UAVs, cruise missiles equipped with radio altimeters, as well as wireless means of communication and data transmission.
“For example, a drone that is controlled by VHF communication either ceases to transmit data to the operator or loses its ability to“ navigate ”on the ground. Also, "Palantine" can drown out the radio signals of enemy ground units. The complex, as I think, cannot fight modern cruise missiles, but it’s quite capable of “dazzling” equipment of not very modern models, ”said Kornev.
- Deployment of the Palantin-K complex on the ground
- © Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Analyzing the personnel published by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the expert suggests that the Palantin-K consists of intelligence equipment, a radio signal suppression complex, a command post, or a vehicle for transporting personnel. An important advantage of the system, Kornev called mobility and the ability to quickly deploy on the ground.
“The military and the developer did not disclose the characteristics of the complex. But, most likely, the vehicles shown in the shots are capable of covering up a fairly large group of troops. It also follows from the information of the RF Ministry of Defense that the “Palantin” is interfaced and able to form a network with other electronic warfare equipment. Thus significantly increases the range of jamming. The indicator of a thousand kilometers that was achieved during the exercises near Voronezh is a very serious value, ”Kornev emphasized.
In a commentary on RT, the commercial director of Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, Alexei Leonkov, stated that the main mission of Palantina-K was to repel attacks by drones, including strategic ones, capable of covering thousands of kilometers. In his opinion, the latest complex is "an important addition to the organization of air defense."
“A likely adversary is betting on unmanned aerial vehicles, which he intends to use massively, in various modifications. These are mainly reconnaissance systems that fly under the control of ground or air operators. “Palantin” and other similar systems deprive UAVs of the ability to carry out combat missions, ”Leonkov said.
Inexpensive and effective
In recent years, the Russian Defense Ministry has been paying great attention to improving the means of fighting UAVs, actively introducing the Syrian experience. Special forces are created in the military districts to counter unmanned aircraft. Their tasks include suppressing radio communications in various ranges and applying electronic strikes to control points.
The Syrian base Khmeimim, where the Russian air group is stationed, is regularly attacked by terrorist attack drones that are launched from the Idlib de-escalation zone.
To protect the base, a variety of radar equipment, electronic warfare systems, anti-aircraft systems "Shell S-1" and "Tor-M2" are used. Over the past two years, nearly 120 shock drones were destroyed. One drone on the external suspension and wings can carry up to ten damaging elements.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the militants mastered the assembly of shock UAVs. Drones are equipped with modern electronic equipment that provides programmed flight and ammunition discharge. UAVs can rise to a height of about 2 thousand km and hit objects at a distance of over 100 km.
Handicraft drones and primitive rocket weapons can cause enormous damage to the military and civilian infrastructure. This, in particular, is evidenced by the consequences of the attack on the Saudi Aramco oil refineries in eastern Saudi Arabia.
- Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun system during tactical exercises of the 150th motorized rifle division of the Southern Military District
- © Sergey Pivovarov / RIA News
Experts interviewed by RT called EW systems the most promising means of countering unmanned aircraft. In their opinion, the widespread use of electronic warfare systems will save on anti-aircraft weapons and significantly increase air defense.
“EW systems, including Palantin, eliminate the need to use expensive anti-aircraft missiles against UAVs worth only a few hundred dollars. EW can fulfill the task of neutralizing this threat. If some drones nevertheless broke through, then for their destruction it is enough to use artillery fire, ”says Kornev.
Alexei Leonkov believes that Russia has advanced developments in the field of electronic warfare. Some domestic samples outperform foreign analogues, including American ones, in terms of their performance characteristics.
“Our electronic warfare systems are capable of depriving a potential adversary of the opportunity to use weapons as intended and to manage combined arms combat. The loss of the information component is one of the factors that determines the guarantee of victory. The advantage of our EW tools is undeniable. For example, the United States openly acknowledges the backlog of Russia in the field of electronic warfare, ”Leonkov emphasized.