Reference News, August 24 - According to the RT website on August 21, Western media are now discussing the strength of Russia's electronic warfare systems and have acknowledged that they are superior to foreign counterparts. The U.S. "Defense News" magazine emphasized that it is precisely due to Russia's electronic warfare systems that only a small number of Ukrainian drones can reach their targets. NATO has also admitted that it lags behind Russia in electronic warfare tools, with its current systems being inferior to Russian systems in both quantity and quality. Experts point out that in the current circumstances, electronic warfare can change the balance of power on the battlefield, and it is particularly effective when used in conjunction with air defense systems.

The performance of Russia's electronic warfare systems in the special military operation area has attracted close attention from Western media. "Defense News" pointed out that Russia possesses the world's "most impressive" anti-drone measures. The publication wrote that in addition to electronic warfare tools, modern infantry weapons, and short-range air defense systems, the Russian army effectively uses anti-drone nets and metal fences to protect military equipment from drone attacks.

"Defense News" quoted Justin Blunk, an expert from the Royal United Services Institute in the UK, who said: "In most cases, only a small portion of the large number of drones launched by the Ukrainian armed forces can reach their targets, and even fewer cause significant damage."

Blunk emphasized: "Although Ukraine has made great efforts to improve and produce drones, it can only limit the advance of Russian forces, but not stop them."

He believes that NATO countries should not bet on drones at the expense of traditional weapons. U.S. military expert Michael Kofman also holds the same view. He believes that NATO should not try to catch up with Russia and Ukraine in the field of drone warfare, but rather use drones to enhance existing combat capabilities.

"A significant advantage"

Previously, NATO admitted that it lags behind Russia in the effectiveness of its electronic warfare systems. NATO official Bas Nieuwenhuis told the U.S. "Defense News" website that NATO "has not yet developed and equipped electronic warfare tools of the same quantity and quality as those of certain potential adversaries." He said that if NATO hopes to win a war against Russia, it must make a thorough change in its electronic warfare capabilities.

The "Defense News" website wrote: "The extensive use of Russian electronic warfare systems in Ukraine shows that it has a significant advantage over NATO in this field."

The New York Times also emphasized the advantages of Russian electronic warfare tools in the special military operation area. The newspaper pointed out that electronic suppression "has become one of the most terrifying weapons for the Russian military, which they have been refining for years." The New York Times noted that the gap between Russia and Ukraine in the field of electronic warfare is as obvious as the gap in troop numbers and ammunition reserves.

The newspaper acknowledged: "Russia has more jamming means, which can suppress Ukrainian signals by transmitting signals at higher power on the same frequency. In addition, there is a higher level of coordination among Russian forces."

Another problem faced by the Ukrainian army is the large number of drones from both sides flying in the air at the same time. Demetriy Zhilukin, a Ukrainian drone operator, told the U.S. "Business Insider" website: "Drones are sometimes very difficult to distinguish, causing soldiers to panic and interfere with everything using their own electronic warfare systems."

The website pointed out that given this situation, "when Western armies plan to develop new uses for small and medium-sized drones, the first thing to worry about is the possible confusion on the battlefield."

"Increasingly important role in the war"

Experts interviewed by RT pointed out that the role of electronic warfare systems in modern military conflicts is becoming increasingly prominent. Taking the special military operation as an example, reserve major Oleg Shalatin emphasized the ability of Russian electronic warfare systems to interfere with drone onboard equipment, including navigation systems, flight control systems, and communication systems.

He introduced: "Drones are very difficult to shoot down, especially when they are equipped with modern evasion devices. Nevertheless, we have learned to eliminate them at critical moments, such as when they fly near our positions. This requires precise coordination with the air defense forces."

Shalatin said that the reason for the poor performance of Ukrainian drones is the high level of coordination and technological nature of the modern Russian military system.

Military observer Alexander Khrolenko noticed the importance of the integration of electronic warfare systems. He said: "Russia's electronic warfare systems are still among the best in the world. The special military operation has become a catalyst for improving existing systems and developing new ones. We see that today's electronic warfare tools can not only eliminate threats, but also integrate with air defense systems and artillery to form a unified information field."

Khrolenko emphasized that this cooperation allows the Russian military to simultaneously protect positions and correct drone operations, greatly improving the efficiency of defense. Now, mobile electronic warfare systems are actively being developed because massing large forces has become very dangerous.

This analyst said: "Some small and medium-sized strike units have emerged, which act discreetly, penetrate enemy lines, and control key points. Electronic warfare is no longer just an auxiliary means, but an essential weapon."

Khrolenko also said that Western countries are closely watching how the conflict in Ukraine is changing the strategy of operations. "They are drawing lessons and trying to catch up with Russia, especially in the field of electronic warfare systems. Because in the area of air defense, the United States and NATO are far behind. In fact, the 'Patriot' air defense missile system is their only air defense tool at the moment, but it is incredibly expensive. Therefore, NATO supports the continuation of the conflict to determine which weapons and electronic warfare tools will stand out." (Translated by He Yingjun)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7541979053184549416/

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