Mysterious Russian structures spotted in Ukraine spark speculation
Mysterious Russian equipment has been spotted in Ukraine. As reported by The War Zone, 16 semicircular or circular structures have been arranged in one of the fields, and their purpose is not entirely clear. These may be elements of a new electronic warfare system, another military system, or a unique type of agricultural installation.
24 June 2024 08:16
Photos of the mysterious Russian structures were posted on the Telegram channel belonging to Ukrainian military and radio communication expert Sergei Beskrestnov. He wrote, "I thought I knew everything the enemy had in terms of technological solutions," referring to the objects' still unidentified origin and purpose.
New Russian equipment in Ukraine?
The American military-themed service The War Zone notes that in the photos, which are most likely satellite images or drone-taken photos, something that resembles a camouflage net or a type of tarp can be seen around the structures. The images also show an area cleared of plants and other elements next to a truck responsible for transporting the objects.
Among the theories explaining the purpose of the Russian structures are those suggesting that they might be inflatable spherical antennas or antenna covers, possibly for communication purposes, like those produced by the United States company GATR Technologies. This company produces, among other things, inflatable spherical satellite communication terminals. The solution aims to reduce satellite communication costs while providing access to it anytime and anywhere. The terminals resist extreme weather conditions, and their deployment takes about 30 minutes.
Beskrestnov, however, rejects this possibility and the idea that the objects are elements of the 1B75 Penicillin system, a mobile Russian acoustic-thermal reconnaissance complex. Russians use it to determine the coordinates of enemy artillery and direct their fire. The War Zone emphasizes, however, that it cannot be entirely ruled out that the objects are antennas or covers for them, which are part of electronic warfare equipment, communication, or sensor systems.
The deployment of unusual structures by Russians in Ukraine is nothing new. Such structures, such as "dragon's teeth," could already have been observed earlier. They appeared, among others, near Melitopol, in the southeastern part of Ukraine. As we have already explained, these are concrete or reinforced concrete pyramids derived from their triangular shape. These structures have been known since World War II, and their main purpose is to create fortifications. "Dragon's teeth" are designed to stop or slow down the enemy and hinder tanks or armoured vehicles from breaking through to defended positions.