Electronic Warfare in Ukraine: Winning the War One Signal at a Time

Modern warfare is characterized by the dominance of technology, and electronic warfare has become one of the key tools on the battlefield. 

Its role grew exponentially with the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when the range of threats expanded from conventional radio frequencies to satellite communication channels, GPS, and drone communication protocols.

Today, electronic warfare is no longer an auxiliary tool – it has become a critical component of defense and offense.

How Does Electronic Warfare in Modern Warfare Look Like?

Electronic warfare includes three main components: electronic intelligence, electronic suppression, and electronic defense. All three components operate in an integrated and operational manner, determining not only the effectiveness of fire damage, but also the preservation of communication channels and navigation systems on the battlefield.

Ukraine has become an example of the large-scale use of electronic warfare in a hybrid, dynamic environment. According to the Royal United Services Institute, Russia has deployed a large number of electronic warfare systems to the front that are capable of detecting, suppressing, and destroying the control and navigation systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These include such systems as Krasukha-4, Zhitel, and Borisoglebsk-2. They are used to jam GPS, block drone communications and command radio channels.

However, the Ukrainian army is also adapting and responding asymmetrically. Both Western systems (e.g., VAMPIRE, SmartShooter) and domestic developments have appeared in the arsenal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from mobile electronic warfare systems such as Anklav to the latest Nota system, which can automatically determine the coordinates of signal sources and jam them in real time.

Shield and Sword: Drone vs. Electronic Warfare

One of the main arenas of electronic warfare is the confrontation between unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems. Modern drones, especially FPVs, have become both a means of destruction and reconnaissance, but they are vulnerable to electronic jamming. The New York Times estimates that in some sectors of the frontline, up to 60% of Ukrainian FPV drones have been lost to Russian electronic warfare systems.

However, the situation is changing. Thanks to the deep integration of combat IT solutions, Ukrainian operators have begun using alternative control protocols, new communication channels, and autonomous navigation systems based on inertial modules. Drones that automatically switch to “silence” modewhen interference is detected have emerged, carrying out the mission even when the signal is completely jammed.

Another innovative approach is the “anti-rebels” drones, which not only avoid electronic interference but are also capable of detecting signal sources and targeting them with artillery or other means of destruction. This approach is implemented in the Shark system, which is equipped with an alternative GPS navigation system.

In Ukraine's experience, not only the number of deployed electronic warfare assets was important, but also the ability to flexibly integrate them into the overall C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system.

Solutions such as Delta and GIS Arta make it possible to process signals, identify sources of interference, and quickly transmit coordinates for fire. In addition, Ukraine is gradually moving from imports to local production of electronic warfare systems. According to Defense Express, some of the new generation systems are already being manufactured on the basis of Ukrainian components, which reduces dependence on imports. Systems such as Bukovel-AD and Khmara demonstrateeffectiveness both at the front and in protecting strategic facilities in the rear.

Ukraine's approach is also highly adaptable: engineers and military personnel are constantly modifying electronic warfare systems to meet changing enemy tactics. This is made possible by close cooperation between the Ministry of Defense, manufacturers, and tactical operators in the combat zone.

Russia, observing the effectiveness of Ukrainian electronic warfare systems, is stepping up its own efforts. In particular, it is actively updating its Tirada, Palantyn, and Moskva-1 systems, which are capable of multi-channel jamming and radio reconnaissance. Moscow is investing in electronic warfare as a key component of the fight against Western precision weapons.

Investment Potential has to skyrocket due to the demand

The electronic warfare sector in Ukraine has significant potential for public-private partnerships. According to the Kyiv School of Economics, the production of electronic warfare systems increased by more than 80% in 2023 compared to 2021. Export-oriented companies have already begun cooperation with European defense clusters.

Export of electronic warfare software: detection, suppression, and digital modeling algorithms can become a separate area. This makes it possible to attract investments in R&D without direct arms supplies, which is important in the context of regulatory restrictions.

At the same time, investments in the field of electronic warfare require further standardization: the creation of common requirements for interoperability, data exchange, open protocols, and certification of production facilities. The first steps in this direction have already been taken as part of the 2024 defense reform.

EW set New Rules of Warfare

Electronic warfare is shaping a new paradigm of warfare. Loss of communication or navigation for even a few minutes can change the outcome of an operation. Electronic warfare does not just accompany firepower, it ensures it.

The future of the battlefield is a space where artificial intelligence electronic warfare algorithms interact with sensor networks, and drones, tanks, and artillery operate in a coordinated, decentralized system. Those who do not control the airwaves do not control the battlefield.

For Ukraine, which is fighting an army that has a strong legacy of Soviet electronic warfare systems, the key to victory will be flexibility, technological adaptation, and support from Western partners in developing the next generation of electronic weapons.

Electronic warfare is not just a technical category, it is an element of strategic thinking. And it is in this area that victory in the war of the 21st century will be determined.

Bohdan Popov, head of digital at the United Ukraine Think Tank, communications specialist, and public figure