What's Krasukha Needed For?
The Krasukha-S4 is created to render spy satellites, ground-based radars, and airborne systems completely ineffective. It achieves this by generating jamming signals that target core radar frequencies and other radio-emitting sources.
The main purpose of the Krasukha system is to protect command posts, troops and air defenses from aerial reconnaissance and high-precision weapons. The EW system closely interacts with air defense systems, which destroy an enemy object after receiving its location from Krasukha-S4.
In addition, the system successfully engages unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying at extremely low altitudes. Krasukha's software and hardware systems have the ability to disrupt a drone's on-board equipment, effectively rendering the UAV blind and helpless. This forces the aircraft to climb to higher altitudes, placing it within the reach of the Russian air defenses, which then annihilate the target.
Unique Characteristics
According to Russian expert Roman Nasonov, Krasukha-S4 is the most effective system in its class. It is capable of creating radio jamming in a wide range of frequencies, without restrictions in azimuth and elevation.
The system can effectively engage any air target. The range of a Krasukha-S4 complex, consisting of two vehicles, is more than 300 kilometers (186 miles).
Krasukha-S4's wheelbase is a four-axle Kamaz all-terrain vehicle, so the mobile complex can operate in any area, at temperatures ranging from minus 50C to plus 50C degrees.
Start of Mass Production
Krasukha-S4, developed by the Radioelectronic Technologies Concern KRET, a holding company under the Russian state-owned Rostec Corporation, was created in 2009 and went into mass production for its electronic warfare system in 2011.
After a span of two years, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) acquired the inaugural batch of Krasukha-S4 systems. This technology, as highlighted by KRET, possesses the capability to be utilized for airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) as well.
Use in Special Op Zone
The MoD recently unveiled a video showcasing the Krasukha-S4, jamming a reconnaissance drone belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). This incident took place within the Russian territory of the special military operation zone in Ukraine.
The ministry also quoted a crew member of the Krasukha-S4 vehicle who stated that "throughout the special operation, the ES system proves its effectiveness." He added that they implement their “combat mission quite successfully.”
In addition to UAF drones, the Krasukha-S4 effectively countered enemy ballistic missiles and aircraft, the crew member pointed out.