Murmansk-BN

Electronic warfare communications jamming system - Russia

The Murmansk BN is a modern electronic warfare system developed by the Russian company KRET. The system is designed to perform long-range communications jamming and was developed as part of a Russian strategic electronic warfare system and operates as a network-centric capability. The jamming system entered into service with the Russian army in 2014 and was deployed for the first time the same year when the 475th Independent EW Centre of the Russian navy set up a complex in the Crimea south of Sevastopol. The primary role of the system is to eliminate High Frequency (HF) broadcasts from NATO forces – in particular the HF Global Communications System of the United States (HFGCS) and high-frequency military satellite communications. According to Russian military sources, it can jam communication systems with a range from 5,000 to 8,000 km.

Murmansk-BN electronic warfare system variants:

- No variants at this time.

Equipment

The Murmansk-BN consists of different vehicles based on military truck chassis including groups of up to four extendable antenna masts – two of which each on a dedicated Kamaz or Ural truck, which then tows a further antenna on a trailer. The masts extend to 32 meters in height. Each full Murmansk-BN complex normally has four of these antenna groups, making 16 antennas in total. Each antenna group can operate individually or as multiple. Reports also state that the complexes can be integrated into the Russian EW (Electronic Warfare) command and control system. The system also includes support vehicles including a Kamaz 6350 Command vehicle and a Kamaz 6350 generator vehicle per four antenna groups. The power generator vehicle is able to provide up to 400 kW of power, thereby enabling the Murmansk-BN complex to suppress high-frequency signals over an area of 640,000 km2. Other vehicles include fuel browsers and troop transport.

Mobility

The truck carrying the extendable antenna masts is based on the Kamaz 53501 8x8 military truck chassis. Each truck tows another antenna mounted on a trailer. The Kamaz 5350 is a series of military trucks available in 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 configurations. The truck is fitted with a crew cab at the front which is able to accommodate three people. It has a weight of 9,200 kg with a payload capacity of 6,000 kg. The truck is powered by a KamAZ-740.13.260 turbocharged diesel engine developing 260 hp. It can run at a maximum road speed of 100 km/ with a maximum cruising range of 1,000 km. The Kamaz 6350 is a heavy cargo truck that was developed in 1987 and that entered into service with the Russian army in 2002. The layout of the Kamaz 6350 is conventional with a crew cab at the front and a cargo area at the rear. It has a weight of 11,400 kg with a payload capacity of 10,000 kg.

Combat use

The Murmansk-BN is one of the most efficient electronic warfare systems in the world. It is a long-range communications jamming system that has specifically been designed to take out NATO and United States high-frequency military satellite communications. It can be used to conduct radio reconnaissance, intercept and suppress enemy signals throughout the short-wave range and up to 5,000 - 8,000 km. It covers the entire shortwave range with frequencies from 3-30 MHz that are commonly used by warships and aircraft. The standard deployment time is 72 hours. The system is able to detect and support typical shortwave (HF) radio communications and interfere with HF radio communication lines in the enemy's operational-strategic and operational-tactical command and control units. The jammer is specifically geared at tackling high-frequency communications systems, including the High-Frequency Global Communications System. Citing information from Russian sources, onboard systems of F-35 fighter aircraft of the US Air Force came out of order due to the interference created by Murmansk-BN electronic warfare systems. US stealth fighters experience frequent failures of their avionic equipment over the Black and Baltic Seas. Electronic warfare interference systems of the Russian Armed Forces start showing a noticeable impact on US Air Force stealth fighters. Murmansk-BN automatically scans over a large area. If sources of radio emissions are detected, the system’s transmitters start jamming in narrow bands, so that the enemy can’t exchange information. Murmansk-BN is capable of intercepting communications between warships, aircraft, and satellites. Furthermore, in both directions, blocking the flow of information from satellites to specific combat units. This is very important because the target reconnaissance satellites are capable of accurately guiding the missile to hit the target. The impact of the Murmansk-BN system renders the enemy’s smart weapons useless, reconnaissance and early warning aircraft unable to provide information about the targets.

System Components

Kamaz 530501 8x8 military truck with the extendable antenna mast.

Antenna mounted on a trailer

Command post and generator vehicle