A Dose of "Penicillin" Helps Russian Forces Detect Ukrainian Targets

Russia's "Penicillin" reconnaissance system, developed by NII Vector under the Ruselectronics holding of Rostec, is actively deployed in ongoing military operations to detect and locate Ukrainian targets.

A commanding officer of the Penicillin reconnaissance system crew outlined its functionality in a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, explaining its role in detecting enemy actions through acoustics and reporting coordinates to the command post for strategic decision-making.

The system, introduced to the Russian armed forces in late 2020, diverges from traditional reconnaissance methods by utilizing a combination of acoustic and thermal signals, making it less susceptible to electronic counter-measures. It focuses on detecting and confirming the destruction of enemy targets, including artillery, mortars, multiple launch rocket systems, and enemy launch sites for anti-aircraft and tactical missiles.

The Penicillin system's operational efficiency lies in its swift detection and reporting capabilities, providing coordinates for a single target in less than 5 seconds. The Russian Defense Ministry reports its successful use in counter-battery warfare in specific directions, aiding in the detection and destruction of Ukrainian self-propelled artillery and howitzers.

Installed on the KamAZ chassis, the Penicillin system features a telescoping boom with a 1B75 sensor set and dispersed seismic and acoustic receivers. Operating autonomously within a 40-kilometer range, it combines seismic detectors, thermal imaging, and acoustic sensors for precise enemy gun location on an electronic map. This technology ensures rapid target acquisition without reliance on radio waves, making it less detectable by radio equipment and resilient to electronic warfare systems.

Created in 2017, tested in 2018, and officially joined the Russian army in 2020, the Penicillin system remains a notable addition to modern military reconnaissance capabilities.