The Ministry of defense is strengthening the grouping of the southern military district by means of electronic warfare (EW). In the region, it is planned to significantly increase the number of new Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopters with the Rychag-AV radio suppression system. These complexes, according to the developers, are able to interfere with locators and neutralize the operation of almost any air defense systems. The emergence of new "Levers" is an effective response to the possible deployment of NATO short — and medium-range missiles in the region, experts say.
The Ministry of defense is strengthening the grouping of the southern military district by means of electronic warfare (EW). In the region, it is planned to significantly increase the number of new Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopters with the Rychag-AV radio suppression system. These complexes, according to the developers, are able to interfere with locators and neutralize the operation of almost any air defense systems. The emergence of new "Levers" is an effective response to the possible deployment of NATO short — and medium-range missiles in the region, experts say.
Equipped and dangerous
Flying electronic suppressors are already serving in the southern military district, but now their grouping will be radically increased, sources told Izvestia in the military Department. According to the Vice-President Of the Academy of geopolitical problems, Colonel Vladimir Anokhin, this solution will be a suitable response to the possible strengthening of the southern flank of NATO and the deployment of medium-and short-range missiles, believes. Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopters can seriously interfere with the actions of such weapons systems.
— This fits into our doctrine: not to go to an arms race, but with the help of such systems, simply block entire areas of alleged launches and create a serious problem for NATO offensive weapons, - the expert told Izvestia. — At the same time, our system turns out to be mobile. We can move equipment to certain areas, and if necessary, block all control systems, and not just missiles.
The mi-8MTPR-1 is a defensive weapon designed to neutralize active weapons systems, the expert stressed. At the same time, it is much less expensive than deploying missiles.
— The solution is very profitable and effective. This clearly shows: "Guys, you will not succeed," Vladimir Anokhin concluded.
Officially, the Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare (EW) helicopters with the Rychag-AV system were adopted in 2016. To provide electricity to transmitters with a total potential of 800 kW, it was necessary to add additional power generators to the usual Mi-8MTV-5-1.
Powerful antenna arrays allow you to protect aircraft from radars at a distance of at least 150 km from the helicopter. In the air, it is able to barrage up to two and a half hours, while "drowning out" eight enemy radars. It interferes not only with ground-based air defense systems, but also with aviation radars, which allows you to protect both individual aircraft and entire squadrons from enemy missiles.
The electronic warfare system includes a database of enemy radio-electronic equipment. Once radio signals are detected, they are automatically classified and the type of source is determined. Then the optimal scenario for jamming against it is selected.
Representatives of the Kret concern, where the complex was created, say that the helicopter's capabilities are not limited to countering air defense systems. It can stop the operation of communication systems, command and control of troops or precision weapons, as well as navigation equipment. Its effective range reaches up to several hundred kilometers.
According to the developers, the Lever suppression station is universal: it can be mounted not only on helicopters, but also on planes and ships. But so far, the Mi-8MTPR-1 remains the only combat vehicle adopted with such capabilities.
Attention to the Crimea
With the help of the Rychag-AV system, Russian troops can effectively counteract modern armies equipped with high-tech means, according to military expert Viktor Murakhovsky.
"NATO is proud of its achievements in radio electronics-homing heads, communications equipment, and so on," he said. — It is very important for us to have modern electronic warfare systems that allow us to dominate in these ranges of electromagnetic means. Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopters will become an important part of the Russian electronic warfare group.
The area of responsibility of the southern military district includes Crimea, and this region attracts close attention of NATO, the expert added.
— Not only in the black sea countries-Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania-but also in very remote ones. The Black sea is regularly visited by ships from the United States, great Britain, and recently France. In addition, there are constant flights of reconnaissance aircraft, drones, and basic patrol aircraft. In General, this is a territory where NATO's ship and aircraft radio-electronic equipment is working quite intensively. Given the fact that Ukraine actively cooperates with the Alliance, where intelligence points are deployed on the coast, the southern military DISTRICT has a serious need for effective electronic warfare. Rychag-AV is an effective tool that can conduct both electronic intelligence and electronic suppression.
As reported by Izvestia, in recent years, the defense Ministry has been actively strengthening the southern borders with the most modern equipment, and the southern military district is usually one of the first to receive new samples. So, next year, serial deliveries of heavy robotic systems "Uran-6"will begin to the troops of the southern military DISTRICT. The robot, which can be controlled at a distance of up to a kilometer, is able to conduct mine clearance in urban areas, as well as in mountainous and wooded areas.
Air defense units of the southern military district will also receive the first s-350 Vityaz anti-aircraft missile systems in 2021. These are highly mobile systems that can intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles. In addition, the latest Buk-M3 complexes are being sent to one of the air defense brigades of the southern military DISTRICT. With a slightly shorter range and fire performance compared to the" Knights", they have excellent mobility, security and noise immunity. The district will also be the first to receive an updated version of the ka-52 alligator With improved combat capabilities, taking into account the experience of Syria. These machines can hit targets at a distance of up to ten kilometers with high accuracy.