Western Armed Forces Gleaning Insights From the Conflict in Ukraine
Amid the rapid technological advancements and shifting battlefield dynamics, the impending Strategic Defense Review of the United Kingdom necessitates careful consideration of the lessons gleaned from the conflict in Ukraine. According to retired British Army Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, as reported by The Telegraph via Charter97.org, the management of the radio frequency spectrum has emerged as a critical factor in modern warfare.
The control of the radio frequency spectrum significantly influences the battlefield's outcome, with Ukraine demonstrating proficiency in this area due, in part, to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet. However, adversaries like Russia are not idle, developing technologies such as drones controlled via optical fiber cables that are hard to block.
The British Army, according to the colonel, appears unprepared for these scenarios, necessitating urgent adjustments. Specific attention should be given to the use of tanks, as despite the losses of older models on the Ukrainian front, modern tanks equipped with Active Protection Systems (APS) and integrated electronic warfare capabilities can maintain their dominance. Israel's military experience shows that appropriately armed armored vehicles can effectively counter drones even in intense combat situations.
Besides technological advancements, independent mission command—the autonomy of local commanders—remains crucial. Overreliance on communication can hinder operations on the battlefield.
Delving into Battlefield Lessons from Ukraine:
- Preparing for a Contested Electromagnetic Spectrum: The war has underscored the need for militaries to adapt to a contested electromagnetic spectrum, given that Russia has employed sophisticated jamming systems like the Krasukha-4 to disrupt Ukrainian communications and radar systems.
- Adaptability and Innovation: Ukrainian forces have showcased ingenuity by integrating commercial off-the-shelf technology to boost electronic warfare capabilities. Examples include mesh networks for drone detection and drones equipped with jamming modules to counter Russian communications.
- The Significance of Commercial Satellites: The use of commercial satellites like Starlink has proven essential for maintaining communication and coordination in areas with compromised infrastructure, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.
- Efficient Spectrum Management: The importance of efficient spectrum management in a contested environment cannot be overstated, necessitating advance planning and coordination to ensure military communications and systems remain functional.
Moving forward, these lessons will likely impact the British Army in several ways:
- Advanced Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) Capabilities: The Army may emphasize developing more robust EW capabilities to combat and adapt to hostile jamming and cyber threats, mirroring the adaptability displayed by Ukrainian forces.
- Integration of COTS Technology: Similar to Ukraine’s method, the Army might explore integrating more commercial off-the-shelf technology to bolster electronic warfare and communications resilience.
- Investment in Spectrum Management: The Army will likely prioritize spectrum management and coordination to maintain seamless communication across various platforms and in contested environments.
- Collaboration and Training: Training programs will need to stress the impact of the electromagnetic spectrum on operations, paralleling the U.S. Army's efforts to disseminate EW expertise across all units.
As the world of warfare continues to evolve with technology, the Army cannot neglect flexibility and soldier initiative, even in the face of drones, cyber weapons, and satellite reconnaissance. Perhaps modern soldiers will still head into battle, as Colonel de Bretton-Gordon once did, seated in a tank.
- To counteract sophisticated jamming systems like the Krasukha-4 employed by adversaries, the British Army might need to prioritize adapting to a contested electromagnetic spectrum, similar to the Ukrainian forces.
- In alignment with the ingenuity demonstrated by Ukrainian forces, the British Army could benefit from integrating commercial off-the-shelf technology for improved electronic warfare capabilities and communication resilience.
- With the Ukraine conflict highlighting the essential need for efficient spectrum management in a contested environment, the Army should focus on advance planning and coordination to ensure reliable communication and functionality of military systems.
