Rare Atmospheric Phenomenon Crucial in Ukrainian Strike on Russian Warship

The Russian warship Moskva before its sinking, highlighting the unexpected role of anomalous propagation in its detection by Ukrainian forces.

Nov 17 (EUROPA PRESS) -A recent study conducted by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) has uncovered a rare atmospheric event, termed 'anomalous propagation', that played a significant role in enabling Ukrainian forces to target and sink the Russian warship Moskva in the Black Sea in April 2022.

Understanding Anomalous Propagation

This extraordinary atmospheric condition allowed a Ukrainian land-based radar system, likely the mobile radar system Mineral-U, to detect the Moskva even though the ship was well beyond the standard radar detection horizon. Typically, the Earth's curvature limits radar detection range, but anomalous propagation alters this limitation.

The Science Behind the Phenomenon

Anomalous propagation happens under specific atmospheric conditions involving variations in temperature, pressure, and humidity, causing radar waves to bend abnormally towards the Earth's surface. This unusual refraction significantly extended the operational range of the Ukrainian radar, enabling it to spot targets far beyond its normal reach.

Detailed Meteorological Data Analysis

Researchers used data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and satellite imagery to assess the atmospheric conditions on April 13, 2022. Their study indicated that during a critical window that afternoon, the conditions were ideal for anomalous propagation, potentially allowing the Ukrainian radar to detect the Moskva from about 135 kilometers away.

Strategic and Technological Implications

This discovery sheds light on the specific circumstances leading to the sinking of the Moskva and emphasizes the role of meteorological factors in modern warfare. Leveraging such phenomena could provide significant strategic advantages in future military engagements.

The findings of this research have been published in the American Meteorological Society's Bulletin, offering insightful contributions to the fields of electronic warfare and meteorology.