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Ukraine seizes Russian anti-drone EW system Volnorez with documents in Kursk Oblast

In August 2024, Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast successfully captured a Russian Volnorez electronic warfare system along with related documentation. The system was reportedly found in its original packaging, as revealed by Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov, who shared video footage of the captured equipment.

First observed in action by Russian forces in fall 2023, the Volnorez system is designed to form a virtual protective dome around its carrier, mainly tanks, to protect them from drone attacks. It is specifically designed to combat first-person view (FPV) drones, which are increasingly used in modern warfare, Militarnyi reports.

Ukraine seizes Russian anti-drone system Volnorez, technical documentation of Kursk Oblast, captured Ukrainian forces, Telegram/Butusov plus screenshot_4-6-rotated
Technical documentation on the Russian electronic warfare system Volnorez, captured by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast. Photo: Telegram/Butusov Plus.

According to the captured documentation, the Volnorez system operates in two specific frequency bands: 390-510 MHz and 750-1050 MHz. The device is designed as a cone-shaped device that is attached to the armor of a tank with magnets.

Ukraine seizes Russian anti-drone system Volnorez Documents Kursk Oblast capture of Ukrainian forces Telegram/Butusov plus Screenshot_3-13-gedreht
Russian electronic warfare system Volnorez captured by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast. Photo: Telegram/Butusov Plus.

When activated, the Volnorez system is designed to disrupt communications between an incoming drone and its control station, causing the drone to veer off course and the protected vehicle to avoid being hit. This is particularly effective against the home-made FPV attack drones currently used by both sides of the conflict, which typically immediately fall to the ground if the signal is lost.

Ukraine seizes Russian anti-drone EW system Volnorez. Documents on Kursk Oblast, captured Ukrainian forces. Telegram/Butusov plus screenshot_1-18-rotated
Russian electronic warfare system Volnorez captured by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast. Photo: Telegram/Butusov Plus.

However, Militarnyi says more sophisticated civilian drones like the Mavic 3 are programmed to hover in place or return to their takeoff point if communication with their operators is lost.

Later, Yuri Butusov also published photos of another captured Russian electronic warfare system called K-8 Kapyushin, which is manufactured by NPO Kilovatt, installed in vehicles and military equipment and covers most radio frequencies in the range from 400 to 5,900 MHz.

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