In Ukraine, the issue of limiting nighttime lighting may arise again due to the development of Russian optical navigation systems for strike drones and missiles. In particular, a review of blackout measures may concern highways and certain sections of roads.
This was reported on October 28 by Ukrainian radio technology expert Serhiy Beskrestnov, known as Flash.
According to him, the need to return to blackout measures may arise if Russian troops begin to massively use the "Susanin" optical navigation system during night attacks.
"In 2022, we did this out of fear and misunderstanding, and now, probably, we will have to act consciously", - noted Beskrestnov.
The expert believes that special attention should be paid to the lighting of roads and sections of highways. This concerns a possible review of current approaches to blackout measures, and not an already adopted decision on turning off street lighting.
Beskrestnov links the potential threat to the use by Russian forces of new navigation systems that allow drones to orient themselves by terrain images.
Features of the Russian "Susanin" system
In early October, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported the installation of the "Susanin" optoelectronic system on new modifications of Russian strike drones.
According to military intelligence, the equipment uses terrain images for autonomous orientation during flight. The system compares the received information with pre-prepared data stored in the onboard computer.
Such technology reduces the drone's dependence on satellite navigation and complements other means of determining its position.
Initially, HUR detected the "Susanin" system on Russian "Geran-4" drones. At the same time, intelligence established that similar equipment is used on the new version "Geran-5".
As previously reported "Kurs Ukrainy", on October 22, Beskrestnov stated that Russia is using the "Geran-5 K5-K" modification, equipped with optical navigation. According to him, this version also differs in increased range, speed and flight altitude.
However, the presence of an optical navigation system does not yet mean that Russia is already massively using it during night attacks. It is precisely the possibility of such a scenario that Beskrestnov cites as a reason for reviewing blackout measures.
Blackout and road traffic safety
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, many Ukrainian cities introduced restrictions on external lighting. Some measures were related to security requirements, and later street lighting was also turned off to save electricity after Russian attacks on the energy system.
Such restrictions at the same time created additional risks for drivers and pedestrians. In particular, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine warned about the danger of moving along unlit streets and recommended the use of reflective elements on clothing.
Therefore, a possible return to lighting restrictions will require taking into account not only military threats, but also road traffic safety, transport operation and the needs of the population.
Currently, Beskrestnov's statement is a warning about the possible development of the situation. No decision has been reported on the adoption of new national blackout rules in connection with the "Susanin" system.
Based on materials from: Serhiy Beskrestnov (Flash), HUR, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
