09.05.2022

"Will not miss a single target": Damocles guidance unit on Malaysian Su-30MKM fighters

Sections: Air, Electronics and optics, Markets and cooperation, Status and prospects

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Image source: topwar.ru

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) began using the Russian Su-30MKM multirole fighter in 2007.

At that time, it was recognized as the most advanced fighter in Southeast Asia

- it is noted in the edition of Defense Security Asia.

RMAF currently has 18 Su-30MKM manufactured by Irkut Corporation.

This is a unique machine, because this modification is used only by us, no other country operates this version of the Su-30

- the author explains, pointing out that the Su-30MKM is similar to the Indian Su-30MKI, "with the only difference that we use some French systems, and India uses Israeli–made equipment."

According to him, it was precisely because of the technological advancement of the Su-30MKM variant that the US Air Force sent an F-22 Raptor fighter to Malaysia to conduct training battles, as happened at the Hurricane Cope exercises in 2014.

The uniqueness of the Su-30MKM lies in the fact that Malaysia has taken a bold approach by combining the product of the Russian defense industry with some Western technologies. Then it was perceived as an alien concept. Only after success with the integration of two technologies on the Su-30MKM platform did other countries dare to repeat this experience, including Russia

- indicated in the publication.

Among the Western systems in demand on the Su-30MKM are the display, the forward-looking infrared navigation system (NAVFLIR), the "friend-foe" identification system (IFF) and the Damocles guidance system, which were developed by the French defense company Thales. In addition, Avitronics, a subsidiary of Swedish Saab in South Africa, supplied a "Missile Approach Warning System" (MAWS 300) and a "Laser Radiation warning System".

As noted, the Damocles suspended sighting container "makes our Su-30MKM aircraft comparable to the Rafale fighter," on which it is also installed. Damocles is a 3rd generation guidance module, commissioned in 2009.

Among the main features of Damocles: a remote laser designator, a built-in NAVFLIR system, a high-resolution camera, compatibility with Paveway guided bombs, laser guidance (at a distance of up to 16 km), a weapon system using image guidance, GPS, INS. This unit is able to track the object of interest on land (the range of recognition of armored vehicles is 27 km), sending its images directly to ground stations over long distances in a short time.

The Damocles intelligence and Target Recognition unit will not miss a single target. It is capable of operating day and night, in all weather conditions. In addition to RMAF, Damocles Targeting Pod is also used by the UAE, Moroccan and Saudi Arabian Air Forces on Panavia Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Thanks to RMAF's success in combining technologies, Russia has also decided to install the Damocles guidance module on its Su-34 and Su-27 vehicles.

- explained in the Malaysian press.