Enhanced Russian Guided Bombs Pose New Threat to Ukraine
Table of Contents
Reports indicate that russia has deployed an upgraded version of its “Comet” navigation chip in its guided bombs, potentially increasing their accuracy. This growth comes as Ukraine has reportedly found ways to jam older versions of the chip, causing the bombs to miss their targets. The new chip is said to be integrated into the UPC (single planning and adjustment module) of these bombs.
The “comet” Evolution: from Vulnerability to Enhanced Performance
Earlier iterations of the “Comet” chip were reportedly susceptible to Ukrainian jamming technology. This led to instances where guided bombs, intended for specific targets, deviated and landed harmlessly in open fields. However, a Russian military blogger known as Fighterbomber, with close ties to the Russian Air Force, claims the latest “Comet” version addresses these vulnerabilities.
Fighterbomber suggests the new chips are already being used in active operations, posting a video purportedly showing a triumphant strike by a guided bomb equipped with the updated technology. He lauded the initial feedback as overwhelmingly positive, mirroring the precision seen in the video.
The reviews are vrey good so far. From all the directions where they have been flying for the second day, the reviews are approximately the same as in the video. And that’s great.
fighterbomber, Russian Military Blogger
A Race Against time: Countermeasures and Production Capacity
Despite the reported improvements, Fighterbomber acknowledges that the advantage provided by the new “Comet” chip is highly likely temporary. He anticipates that Ukrainian forces will eventually develop countermeasures. Though,he expresses optimism about russia’s ability to rapidly produce these chips,potentially allowing them to “radically grind the border of Ukraine” through sustained and precise attacks.
The blogger emphasized the need for swift, large-scale, and strategic deployment of the technology, acknowledging the inherent challenges in achieving this.
We have to act quickly, massively and intelligently. This, of course, is very arduous, but we have to try.
Fighterbomber, Russian Military Blogger
Expert confirmation and Deployment Concerns
Sergei “Flash” Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian radio engineering specialist, has corroborated the existence of the new “Comet” navigation chip. He highlighted the chip’s 12-element antenna, designed to enhance signal reception and resist electronic warfare interference.
Beskrestnov noted that this enhanced antenna is currently found on some, but not all, Shahed drones manufactured in Izhevsk, Russia, which feature a high degree of Russian-made components. While Russian sources claim the “Comet” will soon be integrated into all guided aerial bombs (KABs), Beskrestnov states that there is currently no confirmed evidence of this widespread deployment.
Russia really has a 12-element comet antenna. This means that this antenna is reinforced and protects the signal of satellite navigation from our electronic war. This is true.
Sergei “Flash” Beskrestnov, Radio Engineering Specialist
Implications for the Conflict
The introduction of enhanced guided bombs coudl significantly impact the conflict in Ukraine. Precision strikes could allow Russia to target critical infrastructure and military assets with greater accuracy, potentially increasing the pressure on Ukrainian forces. However, the effectiveness of these weapons will depend on several factors, including the actual performance of the new “Comet” chip, the speed with which Ukraine can develop countermeasures, and the scale of Russian production and deployment.
The ongoing electronic warfare battle between Russia and Ukraine highlights the critical role of technology in modern warfare. As both sides continue to innovate and adapt, the conflict is likely to see further advancements in electronic warfare capabilities and countermeasures.
