Blackouts may be reintroduced in Ukraine following the appearance of the «Susannin» optical navigation system in Russian attack drones. This system enables the drones to navigate using images of the terrain without relying on satellite signals. Particular attention may be paid to the lighting of roads and motorways at night. This was announced on 28 October by Serhiy Beskrestnov, the Ukrainian President’s adviser on defence technologies.
- Ukraine may review its blackout regulations in response to new Russian attack drones.
- The «Susanin» system enables drones to navigate using images of the terrain without the need for satellite navigation.
- Such modules have already been identified on the «Geran-4» and certain variants of the «Geran-5».
- Particular attention may be paid to the night-time lighting of roads and motorways.
Why blackout measures might be reintroduced in Ukraine
According to Sergey Beskrestnov, Russia’s widespread use of optical navigation during night-time attacks may require additional protective measures.
«If our enemy begins to deploy the “Susannin” optical navigation module on “Geran-5” and other UAVs (missiles) on a large scale at night, we may have to reconsider the issue of light camouflage. This applies in particular to the lighting of roads and sections of motorways,» the expert noted.
He recalled that, at the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, blackouts were introduced amid uncertainty regarding the capabilities of Russian weaponry. Now, in his view, such restrictions may be necessary due to specific technological changes in Russian drones.
How the Russian «Susannin» navigation system works»
The «Susannin» optoelectronic system enables the drone to determine its position using a camera and pre-loaded images of the terrain.
During flight, the system compares the images from the optical sensor with reference data stored in the on-board computer’s memory. This makes it possible to adjust the route without constantly relying on satellite navigation.
This operating principle makes it more difficult to counteract electronic warfare measures that jam satellite navigation signals.
The Main Intelligence Directorate has confirmed the use of new technology at «Gerany»
Back on 5 October, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence released information about modernised Russian drones «Geranium-4».
Among the equipment identified was the «Susannin» autonomous system. According to Ukrainian intelligence, a similar system is also being fitted to the new «Geran-5» K5 version.
Russian developers are combining optical, inertial and satellite navigation systems to improve the drones’ resilience to interference.
The use of optical systems at night depends on visibility conditions. That is why Beskrestnov highlighted the possible need to restrict artificial lighting on certain sections of the road.
As of 28 October, no official decisions had been announced regarding the introduction of a new blackout regime in Ukraine.
