Electronic Warfare Countermeasures vs The Sniper
Some of the technologies seen during the Russo-Ukrainian war confirm that US military members need to have a heightened sense of awareness.
Technological advances are nothing new, but it is advertised far more frequently on battlefields across the globe. Pictures showcasing current technology during the Russo-Ukraine war are surfacing regularly. These images show the reality of emerging technology in warfare. "Emerging technology" refers to new or advanced technology being developed or in the early stages of implementation. These technologies, directly and indirectly, impact how we operate and affect mission planning considerations. Military technological growth over the last decade has placed a specific emphasis on autonomy and information. Snipers ideally work in the realm of information acquisition and are best utilized when they control the flow of information. Unfortunately, 21st-century developments control the flow of information. Like generations prior, the Army is learning how active and passive developments impact dismounted infantry, reconnaissance assets, and snipers.
Throughout history, snipers have become noteworthy for their ability to adapt and overcome any adversity, especially one with technological superiority. On the modern battlefield, Electronic Protection (EP) presents one of the most significant threats to the modern sniper. Mostly because EP is a form of Electronic Warfare Countermeasures (ECM) implemented to protect friendly forces from suspected enemy electronic attacks. EP measures may include using radar warning receivers, jamming systems, and other electronic countermeasures to detect, locate, and neutralize electronic enemy threats. Many of these are "disruptive" and require innovation of techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTP) to overcome. Understanding how ECM is implemented and how they function will allow the sniper to maintain situational awareness to survive, adapt, and exploit enemy EW capabilities.
On the modern battlefield, Electronic Protection (EP) presents one of the most significant threats to the modern sniper.
The Enemy is looking for your objective lens.
Optical augmentation detectors, commonly referred to as curved glass detectors, have been around for a few years as of the writing of this post. This technology likely uses an infrared or thermal imaging camera to detect the subtle differences in temperature between the curved glass and its surrounding environment. These cameras detect the infrared radiation emitted by an object, and the radiation can then translate this information into an image. The cameras notice the curved glass, even if camouflaged or obscured by other things. This level of accuracy allows curved glass detectors to find a hidden sniper, despite diligent concealment efforts. Advancements such as this enable our adversaries to locate and eliminate snipers during periods of darkness as quickly as they can observe snipers during the day. No longer can we conceal ourselves within urban or rural hides fully camouflaged and assume safety. Historically, snipers would be compromised using visual target indicators such as glint or reflection from a scope or binocular. However, when observed by a curved glass detector during day or night scenarios, the indicator can look similar to a hot spot under a thermal imaging device. The Russo-Ukraine war has given us images of tripod-mounted optical augmentation detectors circling the internet channels. And with that, comes speculation of highly sophisticated handheld models similar in size to a VECTOR binocular entering production.
This emergent technology can seem intimidating to the uninitiated; however, knowing how they work allows us to think about potential ways to thwart them. The anti-reflection device (ARD) is an example of a passive measure that can be installed on the objective lens to minimize reflection. An anti-reflective coating allows another option. Once applied to the objective lens, the layer absorbs many light spectrums. Fortunately, this can be purchased commercially and is readily available. Unfortunately, the current countermeasures also come with potential drawbacks. The argument made by some: ARD and anti-reflective coating both diminish the viewing quality by the observer. Even with those drawbacks, each countermeasure benefits the sniper.
Additionally, having limited exposure times has proven a practical option for snipers: using the scope or binocular quickly and then putting it away. This method attempts to defeat the observer rather than the technology itself. The downside of this method is the amount of detailed information the sniper can gain on a given objective area. Another method is the use of a "cat eye." This jargon refers to material placement over the objective lens, effectively limiting the surface area of the objective lens. Any combination of these could prove to be beneficial on the battlefield. Combining methods in some fashion are approaches to minimize detection, out-think the enemy, and survive.
No longer can we conceal ourselves within urban or rural hides fully camouflaged and assume safety.
If you laze them, shots may come
Laser detectors are relied on as a life-saving tool. These function through a series of sensors that can detect the specific properties of laser beams. The most prominent method would be to use a laser warning receiver (LWR) that can detect the particular wavelength of a laser beam and determine its direction. These sensors work by detecting the reflected laser energy, which can then be analyzed to determine the location of the laser rangefinder. Russia implemented the SHTORA-1 system installed on their main battle tanks. According to defense-update, the Russian system SHTORA-1 relies on LWR to automatically slew the turret and gun in the direction of the threat and employ a smoke screen or "active protection measures." The tank can either inform the crew, slew the main gun in preparation to fire, or automatically fire the main gun or employ smoke. For snipers using laser range finders to determine distance means that detection is almost guaranteed.
The mil-relation formula is usable at extended distances, but the further away, the less reliable your solution is. A laser range finder (LRF) is needed when engaging at extended distances. An approach is to use the LRF at an object near the intended target, giving a close distance. The sniper can then apply another range estimation technique, such as a bracketing method, to determine the final range. Using a laser range finder to acquire a target’s distance is sometimes accompanied by using IR floodlights at night. A spotter or shooter will illuminate the intended target so the other can use the LRF to determine its range. When facing a near-peer or peer threat, we have to assume they have the ability to see our IR lasers and floodlights.
The SHTORA-1 system produces an almost impenetrable shield of sensors by emitting thousands of lasers at various intensities and angles around the platform. (1)
What can Snipers do?
The operational environment consists of five domains (Air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace), the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), and the information environment. The United States, Russia, and China continue to drive the tempo of military innovation worldwide. New technology is emerging, proving that warfighters are only limited by their imagination. The "cat and mouse" game continually changes worldwide power dynamics daily. Russia and Ukrainians continue to innovate new ways to eliminate the opposition. These innovations muster sniper rifles that fire beyond two-thousand meters to kamikaze drones bearing explosives. These technologies have altered the current military META (Most Efficient Tactics available). Almost weekly, pictures from the Russo-Ukrainian war are shared, bringing to light modern innovations on the battlefield and the reality of emerging technology in warfare.
The year is 2023, and almost every soldier on the battlefield has electronics to assist with mission success. Acknowledging the "four-plus-one" (Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and violent extremism) and their capabilities in all domains, the USMC and Army stood up Electronic Warfare Support Teams (EWST) which aim to support the lowest levels of formations. EWST has multiple applications, such as searching out electronic signatures, jamming, and surveillance. When paired with a sniper, the aid of EWST can orient the sniper on a hidden target faster and even divulge the size and type. Much like line-of-sight actions, our adversaries can employ EWSTs of their own. The sniper is an ideal application for this type of environment due to their ability to operate analog and minimize their EMS signature, allowing them to "hide within the spectrum."
With these emerging threats, how does the US Army sniper survive against an adversary with sophisticated technology? Advanced weaponry with thermal sights, drones, optical augmentation detectors, and IR laser detection are prevalent on the battlefield. The US Army snipers are ideal assets in this environment due to their proficiency with specialized weapons and accessories, drones, long-range communications, and enhanced observation techniques. Training at night using passive observation methods will help maximize your abilities. Go out, network, and ask questions so that you can respond with solutions that keep you alive, lethal, and relevant. Finding out what equipment is used by allies and threats will ensure that we can maintain fire superiority. The techniques used during the last 20 years will not suffice as they were created from a counterinsurgency (COIN) environment against an enemy with limited technology. Conversations with your Intelligence Officer on what threats and technology are being employed should inspire your next training plan and evolve your SOPs.
1. “The Shtora-1 uses a laser warning device consisting of an array of coarse and fine resolution sensors, mounted externally on the turret. Each of the rough laser sensor covers a sector of 135 degrees, while the fine sensor covers 45 degrees, with 3.75 degrees angle of arrival resolution, and -5 to 25 degree elevation coverage."
