Belarus strengthens electronic warfare capacities with new locally-made R-934UM2 vehicles.

On November 28, 2024, the State Military Industrial Committee of Belarus announced the delivery of an additional batch of R-934UM2 automated jamming stations to the Ministry of Defense. These systems, developed and produced by KB Radar, are designed for detecting, locating, and suppressing radio communication lines on both ground and airborne platforms. Their effectiveness against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is attributed to the emitted signal power and the height of the antennas.
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Systems such as the R-934UM2 are used to disrupt and suppress radio communication networks, including those used by UAVs, by detecting, locating, and jamming their signals. (Picture source: Belarus MoD)

The R-934UM2, referred to as "Groza-6" or "Navalnitsa-6" in Belarusian, is part of the "Groza" series of electronic warfare (EW) systems. It is intended to target VHF and UHF communication lines, including those operating on fixed frequencies or using frequency-hopping techniques. The system includes a detector-direction finder with an antenna-feeder system, two automated operator workstations, and a nine-channel radio transmitter equipped with seven transmitting antennas. Additional equipment includes communication and data transmission systems, power supplies, and a mobile chassis with two integrated power generators.

The system operates across a frequency band of 30 to 3,000 MHz, with some configurations extending to 6,000 MHz. It can simultaneously jam up to 28 fixed-frequency communication lines and counter frequency-hopping signals at rates of up to 1,000 hops per second. The system’s antenna design allows for rapid deployment and dismantling. It is capable of storing up to 40 fixed-frequency values and 800 frequency-hopping values for jamming purposes. The transmitting antennas provide gains of at least 4.5 dB in the 30-290 MHz band and 6 dB in the 290-3,000 MHz range, with automated rotation for operational flexibility.

The R-934UM2 entered service with the Belarusian Armed Forces in 2015 and has been produced domestically using components and software sourced within Belarus. Exported to countries including the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Libya, the system has been associated with operational use. Reports indicate that in Libya, units of the "Groza-6" system neutralized at least 11 UAVs, including Bayraktar TB-2 and MQ-9 Reaper drones. The system was also reportedly deployed during the Second Karabakh War for counter-UAV operations.

These electronic warfare systems are used to disrupt and suppress radio communication networks, including those used by UAVs, by detecting, locating, and jamming their signals. Such deployments have been observed in conflicts like those in Libya and the Caucasus, where systems like the R-934UM2 were used to neutralize UAV models including the Bayraktar TB-2 and MQ-9 Reaper. By jamming communication signals, these systems reduce the operational capabilities of adversary platforms.

The development of the R-934UM2 began in 2015, with serial production starting after a five-year period. Belarus has focused on modernizing its electronic warfare capabilities, particularly to address threats posed by UAVs and other technologies reliant on communication and GPS systems. Domestically, enterprises like KB Radar have prioritized creating systems to counter these threats, including through measures to suppress GPS navigation and control channels.

Belarus has also pursued collaboration with other nations to advance its electronic warfare systems. In 2015, the country established a joint venture with Russia, REB Technology, aimed at upgrading existing EW systems. Domestically, Belarusian enterprises have continued to provide advanced electronic warfare equipment to the armed forces. For example, additional systems were delivered in December 2017 to improve operational capabilities. More recently, EW deployments near the border with Ukraine reflect a response to regional security developments.

Belarusian electronic warfare systems, including the R-934UM2, are part of ongoing efforts to address contemporary military challenges. The increasing use of UAVs and precision-guided munitions on the battlefield has driven the domestic industry to enhance electronic warfare technologies. Systems such as the R-934UM2 provide capabilities designed to meet these challenges by targeting communication and navigation systems essential to adversary operations.