Ukraine faces missile accuracy crisis amid Russian jamming tactics
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are facing a serious problem concerning the exceptionally low accuracy of the missiles supplied by Western countries. The only advice from Pentagon experts for Ukrainians is to focus on destroying modern enemy jamming systems (EW). These significantly hinder the operation of equipment supplied by NATO.
The war in Ukraine has become a testing ground for weapons supplied by the USA and Europe. Unfortunately, Russia has learned to effectively defend against American Excalibur missiles and those from HIMARS launchers.
Journalists from "The Washington Post" put forth a bold thesis regarding the cause of Russia's current advantage on the battlefield. According to them, it is precisely the jamming systems that the aggressor's troops have.
Russia’s ability to combat the high-tech munitions has far-reaching implications for Ukraine and its Western supporters — potentially providing a blueprint for adversaries such as China and Iran — and it is a key reason Moscow’s forces have regained the initiative and are advancing on the battlefield – reports the Washington Post.
Drastic drop in accuracy of American-made missiles
According to confidential data cited by "The Washington Post" journalists, Ukrainians had great success using 155 mm Excalibur ammunition. At the beginning of 2023, over 50 percent of this artillery ammunition hit Russian targets.
In the next few months, the accuracy of Excalibur missiles dropped drastically – to 10 percent. As a result, Americans stopped sending them to Ukrainians.
How is Ukraine countering Russian technology?
One way Ukrainians counter Russia's jamming is by targeting and attacking electronic warfare systems with drones before using HIMARS artillery. The second solution, which could result in Ukraine regaining the initiative on the battlefield, is the much-anticipated introduction of F-16 aircraft.
Such modern planes would allow Ukraine’s air force to push Russian pilots back, enabling the use of different kinds of weapons with greater range and ability to avoid some electronic warfare systems – reports "The Washington Post".
