Su-25SM3 Jet's EW System Adapted for Mi-26 Helicopters

At the HeliRussia-2022 event, Russian Helicopters showcased “President-S,” the export version of the Vitebsk system, that is fitted on Su-25SM3 jets that are reportedly effective against Ukrainian MANPADS attacks in the ongoing war.

The President-S on-board counter measure system is intended to protect the Mi-26T2 helicopter against missiles launched from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) by detecting threats and counteracting the attacking means.

President-S consists of a missile launch detection system, a laser station of optical and electronic jamming, an external memory unit, a flare dispenser and a control unit, as per a brochure handed over to DefenseMirror at the event.

Also read: Russia’s Vitebsk-25 EW System-Equipped Su-25SM3 Effective against Ukrainian MANPADS Attacks

The missile launch detection system is designed for the detection of incoming missiles based on engine plume, selection of attacking missiles among false signals and transmission of threats data and its angular coordinates to the control unit of counter measure system.

Laser station of optical and electronic jamming is designed for helicopter protection against heat-seeking missiles by generating laser emission.

The flare dispenser is designed to dispense decoys ensuring protection of the helicopter against heat-seeking missiles.

MANPADS in Ukraine

Kyiv is using MANPADS such as Mistral, Javelin, Stinger, StarStreak and New generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW).

MANPADS are light, simple weapons whose guidance is usually by infrared. They weigh around 15kg and have a range usually between 3,500 to 6,000m. They can reach altitudes of up to 4,000 or 5,000m. These are designed to be together with tube weapons as the last line of defense against enemy aircraft within an integrated multi-layered air defense structure.