Russian over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) destroyed?

19 April 2024 - non testatum

The Russian over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) "Contayner" is by far one of the most annoying band intruders in the exclusive amateur radio bands on shortwave. Together with the NATO system "Pluto", it repeatedly occupies large frequency ranges with a rattling sound that makes every QSO impossible. We have been in close contact with the BNetzA in the past, but the chances of success in getting rid of this intruder seemed unlikely.

Now various sources (see below) are reporting that there has been a drone attack on this Russian radar system. However, these reports cannot be independently verified. However, if this information is correct, this would have a positive effect on the intruder situation in the shortwave bands.

We will continue to monitor the bands on OTHR. If the radar no longer appears in the coming weeks, the reports could be genuine. We are also happy to receive reports from radio amateurs and SWLs.

The graph below shows the frequency and distribution of transmissions from this radar until recently. Most bands are affected, especially the 40, 20 and 15 metre bands.

The emissions of the radar are mostly 12 kHz wide. The sweep rate is 40 SPS.

UPDATE 19.04.2024
The radar could be received on shortwave again in the meantime.

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Sources:
https://twitter.com/trajaykay/status/1780897018782605407?s=46&t=dWUME268IFsd9uVkff2yEw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zATfuiHtsYY
et al

OTHR Contayner

Beispiel-Frequenzbelegungen OTHR Contayner