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UKRAINIAN RADIO INTELLIGENCE ⟩ A Crucial Edge in the Battle Against Russian Artillery

Radio intelligence plays a crucial role in conducting counter-artillery operations. Photo: Erik Prozes
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We had a rare opportunity to speak with a Ukrainian radio intelligence unit operating in the Donbas region.

Russian troops are learning quickly, admitted a member of a Ukrainian radio intelligence unit fighting on the eastern front.  As soon as we develop a new technical solution, it takes only a few days before they can replicate it and start producing it in small quantities," explained a member of the radio intelligence unit, highlighting the rapid adaptability of the Russian army. "It's a significant challenge for us."

The Ukrainian army destroys dozens of Russian artillery systems daily on the front lines. The Ukrainian General Staff reports hitting an average of 30-40 enemy artillery systems each day, with some days seeing over 50 or 60 destroyed. This destruction is facilitated by counter-battery fire operations.

A Ukrainian serviceman tests an anti-drone backpack during a presentation of radio-electronic warfare (WB) and radio-electronic intelligence (PER) systems of the Ukrainian company Kvertus.
A Ukrainian serviceman tests an anti-drone backpack during a presentation of radio-electronic warfare (WB) and radio-electronic intelligence (PER) systems of the Ukrainian company Kvertus. Photo: YURIY DYACHYSHYN

We met with one such counter-battery fire coordination unit in Eastern Ukraine. For security reasons, we are unable to disclose the ranks or call signs of individual fighters, nor the identity or approximate location of the unit on the Donetsk front.

According to the radio intelligence operator, the enemy is well aware of which brigades and specific units they are facing on various front sections. "Both they and we intercept and listen to each other's radio communications," he said.

Radio intelligence units are positioned between the "zero" (front line) and the artillery units, beyond the range of enemy small arms and mortars. Ideally, their work area extends six to eight kilometers behind the enemy's front line.

Their task is to use radio location tools to identify the positions of enemy mortars and artillery firing at Ukrainian positions and relay those coordinates for counter-fire. The Russians, in turn, try to jam Ukrainian radar operations, resulting in a constant game of cat and mouse.

Marinka, Donbass. The artillery battery of the 79th Air Assault Brigade in Marinka using a British-supplied 105-millimeter L119 howitzer. In the photo, acting battery commander with the call sign Beard.
Marinka, Donbass. The artillery battery of the 79th Air Assault Brigade in Marinka using a British-supplied 105-millimeter L119 howitzer. In the photo, acting battery commander with the call sign Beard. Photo: Erik Prozes

Ukrainian radio intelligence soldiers often share bunkers with drone operators, who also operate directly behind their infantry. The rationale is identical for both: the closer they are to the front line, the further their radio intelligence and drones can see into enemy territory.

"Currently, we are not allowed closer than four kilometers from the front line with our main equipment, as this is the effective range of the most common Russian FPV attack drones," the radio intelligence operator explained. "At most, we can operate 12 kilometers from the front line," he added.

There are various radio intelligence stations, but the unit in question uses a U.S.-made station costing 11 million hryvnias (approximately 246,000 euros). "Thank God it's in hryvnias, not euros!" exclaimed the radio intelligence operator.

There are also stations that can "see" twice as far. "Working with these is, of course, safer for the operators, but we must not forget that we are still positioned between the infantry and artillery batteries," the radio intelligence operator said.

Ukrainians take great care of their equipment, although careful handling may not always be enough due to active enemy countermeasures.

"If we could eliminate their multipurpose drones like Orlan, SuperCam, and Zala, they would be effectively blind. But as long as these are flying around, we cannot rely on luck alone," said the Ukrainian radio intelligence unit member. "I am fully convinced that without their 'birds,' they would be just like the old Soviet army, nothing more."

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