Excalibur's aim falters: Russian jamming challenges U.S. tech
The American Excalibur missile, known for its precision, is encountering problems in Ukraine due to Russian electronic interference, as reported by the Bulgarian Military portal. The effectiveness of this advanced U.S. missile has been questioned by Yehor Cherniev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Committee of the Ukrainian Supreme Council.
The American Excalibur artillery shell, praised for its precision, is facing significant difficulties in Ukraine. According to Bulgarian Military, Russian electronic jamming systems are effectively diminishing its effectiveness. Yehor Cherniev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Committee of the Ukrainian Supreme Council, emphasizes that the missile is losing its precision due to advanced Russian actions.
The M982 Excalibur artillery shell, with a calibre of 155 mm, is known for its extended range. It was developed by Raytheon and Bofors. Its length is about 0.9 metres, and it weighs just under 50 kilograms, with a warhead weighing 22 kilograms. The range of this weapon depends on the type of artillery in which it is used and can reach up to 50 kilometres.
Problems with Excalibur's precision
The Excalibur missile, introduced to the U.S. Army in 2007, was praised for its ability to hit targets accurately. However, Russian systems like the Krasukha-4 emit radio waves that disrupt GPS signals, causing the missile to lose accuracy. As a result, its effectiveness in Ukraine has dramatically decreased, forcing Kyiv to limit its use.
The introduction of Excalibur to Ukraine in 2022 was meant to be a breakthrough. The missile allowed for precise attacks on Russian positions, which was crucial in operations close to civilians. However, over time, Russian jamming forced Ukrainian forces to revert to less precise methods, increasing ammunition consumption and exposing crews to greater risk.
Response from the Pentagon
Problems with Excalibur have sparked discussions in the Pentagon about the future of GPS-dependent weaponry. Engineers are exploring alternatives such as laser systems or autonomous missiles that can operate without external signals.
The situation in Ukraine is being monitored by other countries, including China, which may develop its own jamming systems. The conflict has become a testing ground for modern warfare technologies, and the results may influence future military strategies worldwide.
