Defence Ministry pilot project: first critical infrastructure operators procure electronic warfare systems to protect their facilities

Critical infrastructure operators from the energy sector and the defense industry have already procured and installed electronic warfare (EW) systems under a pilot project of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. This equipment has already been transferred to the Ukrainian military for free use and is protecting the facilities of these enterprises.

“The first critical infrastructure operators in the energy sector and the defense industry have already procured and installed electronic warfare systems to protect their facilities. This initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Defence pursuant to a decision of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The equipment is already operational and protecting these facilities. This is an example of how the state, business, and the Ukrainian military are working together to strengthen the country’s protection,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal.

In particular, a standard agreement template for the transfer of electronic warfare (EW) systems for free use has been developed and approved, an action plan has been defined to expand the range of electronic warfare systems, and feedback has been collected from critical infrastructure operators on existing and anticipated practical challenges related to participation in the pilot project. Additionally, procedures were established to update data on enemy aerial attack capabilities so that new electronic warfare systems can be reflected in threat modeling immediately after their effectiveness is confirmed.

Procedure for participation in the pilot project

1. The enterprise submits a request to the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Main Directorate for Electronic and Cyber Warfare regarding the strengthening of air defense coverage for a critical infrastructure facility;

2. The Main Directorate for Electronic and Cyber Warfare performs threat modeling and offers multiple equipment options to enable electronic warfare coverage of the facility.

3. Subsequently, the enterprise is authorized to purchase or import the required equipment in the necessary quantities and then proceed with its installation.

4. Important note! The enterprise is not permitted to independently employ high-power electronic warfare systems, as such systems constitute weapons that can not only disrupt navigation on mobile devices but also disable other military equipment. Accordingly, the Main Directorate for Electronic and Cyber Warfare notifies the enterprise of the military unit authorized to employ electronic warfare systems in the relevant locality;

5. The enterprise enters into an agreement for the free use of the equipment with the designated military unit (the authorized user);

6. The military unit integrates the electronic warfare systems into the nationwide air defense system and uses them to protect the critical infrastructure facility.