Ukrainian partisans disrupt Russian electronic warfare system
Partisans from the Atesh resistance movement have claimed success in a recent sabotage operation. This time, the Ukrainians' efforts resulted in taking the Russian RP-377LA Lorandit electronic warfare system out of commission. The method chosen to disable this Russian equipment has drawn considerable attention.
A video was posted on the official Atesh profile on Telegram, showing Ukrainians pouring sugar into the fuel tank of the self-propelled RP-377LA Lorandit electronic warfare system. According to the video's description, the operation had its intended effect, and the Russian equipment was rendered inoperative. Ukrainian agents confirmed the failure three days after the operation.
Ukrainians eliminated RP-377LA Lorandit
From the perspective of those carrying out such an operation, a key advantage is the ability to act discreetly and withdraw to safety. The extent of the damage can depend on various factors. Adding sugar to the fuel tank poses the risk of damaging several components of the fuel system (such as the fuel filter or injectors in diesel engines) and even causing the engine to seize.
Atesh a thorn in the side of the Russians
The Atesh partisan group was initially known for monitoring Russian activities in occupied Crimea. They often reported to the Ukrainian army (and later to the public) about Russian endeavours to protect the Crimean Bridge or the movement of equipment, such as at Saki airport.
Thanks to the efforts of Atesh agents, it has been possible to locate many improvised weapons depots of Putin's army. These depots are found not only in occupied Crimea but also within Russian territory, where the group operates with increasing confidence. This is exemplified by discovering depots containing KH-22 missiles in the Leningrad Oblast. Members of the Atesh group also operate in Moscow and even around Putin’s palace in Sochi, where they located the Pantsir-S1 air defence system last year.
The RP-377LA Lorandit is not one of the most modern electronic warfare systems used by the Russians, but the war in Ukraine has demonstrated that such equipment is highly valuable to both sides. The RP-377LA Lorandit is built on a UAZ-452 chassis. It operates at a frequency of 20-2000 MHz with a scanning speed of 65 MHz/s.
