Operators of critical infrastructure in the energy sector and the defense-industrial complex have already purchased and installed electronic warfare (EW) systems as part of an experiment by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. This equipment has already been transferred for free use to the Ukrainian military and is protecting the facilities of these enterprises.

This was reported on December 29 by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

“The first operators of critical infrastructure in the energy sector and the defense-industrial complex have already purchased and installed EW systems to protect their own facilities.

This initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Defense in execution of the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters. The equipment is already operating to protect the facilities.

This is an example of how the state, business, and the Ukrainian military work together to strengthen the protection of the country”, — said Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

In particular, a standard form of an agreement on the transfer of EW systems for free use was developed and approved, an action plan to expand the list of EW systems was defined, and feedback was collected from critical infrastructure operators regarding existing and expected practical difficulties in participating in the experiment.

A procedure was also determined for updating data on the characteristics of enemy air attack means in order to take into account new EW systems in threat modeling immediately after confirmation of their effectiveness.

Algorithm for participation in the experiment

  • An enterprise applies to the Main Directorate of Electronic and Cyber Warfare of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (GURtaKB) regarding strengthening air defense coverage of a critical infrastructure facility;

  • GURtaKB carries out threat modeling and provides several equipment options, the installation of which will enable electronic warfare coverage of the facility;

  • After that, the enterprise receives the right to purchase or import such equipment in the required quantity and subsequently install it;

  • Important! The enterprise cannot independently employ powerful EW systems, as this is a weapon that not only misleads phone navigation but can also disable other military equipment. Therefore, GURtaKB informs the enterprise about the military unit authorized to employ EW systems in the respective area;

  • The enterprise concludes an agreement on free use with such a military unit (the authorized user);

  • The military unit connects these EW systems to the nationwide air defense system and employs them to protect the critical infrastructure facility.

The enterprise remains the owner of the EW systems. Therefore, the equipment cannot be relocated to another region or used to protect another facility.