Ukraine has captured one of Russia's most advanced electronic warfare systems.
The Krasukha-4 command module jams low-orbit satellites, drones and missiles, and can reportedly track NATO aircraft.
It has a range of 186 miles and is designed to block airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) as well as protect Russian forces from surveillance systems.
The unit is split into two parts, a command post module and an electronic warfare system, which are mounted on two trucks.
Ukrainian forces stumbled across the device near Kyiv, and photos posted online show the large unit covered in branches, in what appears to have been an attempt by Russia to camouflage it.
#Ukraine: We managed to identify this bizarre "container", captured today by the UA forces near #Kyiv.
It is likely to be the command post of one of the most potent Russian EW system - 1RL257 Krasukha-4, used to suppress AWACS radars & radar reconnaissance satellites. pic.twitter.com/1VvKjGoM2p
- :flag_ua: Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) March 22, 2022
According to The Telegraph, it will most likely be taken to the US Air Force's Ramstein Air Base in Germany before being flown the States, where it will be examined.
Military veteran Justin Crump said it was a significant find and one of a number of "goodies that have been recovered on the battlefield."
He told The Times: "It shows how scattered the fighting is and the lack of communications on the Russian side."
Last week, it was reported that Elon Musk's Starlink devices were being used to help Ukrainian forces fight back against the Russian invasion.
An Aerorozvidka air specialist revealed to The Times that the Ukrainian military has been connecting to Musk's satellite network to allow their technology to lock onto enemy targets.
"If we use a drone with thermal vision at night, the drone must connect through Starlink to the artillery guy and create target acquisition," he said.
He added the drones are modified with thermal cameras to identify Russian tanks at night, and the drones are equipped with anti-tank grenades.
The Starlink satellites have been providing Ukraine with internet access, as the country is experiencing widespread power outages amid the invasion.
Since Musk sent over satellites, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed at an undisclosed location that the Starlink connection is 'excellent'.
"We are using thousands, in the area of thousands, of terminals with new shipments arriving every other day," he said.
Fedorov pleaded for the SpaceX CEO to help keep the cities 'connected' by providing Starlink satellites.
To which Musk responded: "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route."
Musk had previously warned that the Starlink terminals could actually be targeted as the invasion continues.
He wrote: "Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution."
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/UAWeapons
Topics: War, Ukraine, Technology, Politics, Russia
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