Flying Fear: Russian Su-34s to Turn Into Electronic Warfare Jets

DUBAI, November 12 (Sputnik) — The first batch of the Khibiny aircraft electronic countermeasures (ECM) system converting Sukhoi Su-34 fighters into electronic warfare aircraft will be delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces in November, Igor Nasenkov, the first deputy general director of the Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern (KRET), said.

"The first batch will be delivered in November 2015," he told RIA Novosti in an interview at the Dubai Airshow-2015.

The official added that the systems, installed on the wingtips of Su-34s, provide the jets with electronic warfare capabilities and enable them to carry out effective electronic countermeasures against radar systems, anti-aircraft missile systems and airborne early warning and control aircraft.

KRET, Russia's largest radio-electronics holding company, was founded in 2009. The holding uniting over 95 companies is part of Russia’s state technologies corporation Rostec.

"KRET will invest 24 billion rubles [some $367 millions] in research and development of locally-produced equipment previously purchased in the European Union, Eastern Europe and in the United States," Nasenkov said referring to import substitution.

He added that some 4.6 billion rubles would be allocated to substitute import from Ukraine and ensure independence from the Ukrainian suppliers as soon as 2016. Nasenkov added that all the equipment produced in NATO and EU states is scheduled to be replaced in 2017.

Import substitution in Russia's defense-industrial sector has been implemented since mid-2014 after the West imposed several rounds of sanctions against Moscow, citing an alleged involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The restrictions targeted Russia's banking, energy and defense sectors.

On September 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country must have its own production of advanced components for military equipment.