Following the recent deliveries in March 2024 of MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) such as the FIM-92 Stinger, the Russian Air Force is taking measures to protect its aircraft against missile threats, including the formidable Stinger missiles. The deployment of the upgraded Vitebsk electronic warfare system across a range of aircraft, including the Su-25 attack planes, Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters, and Mi-8 helicopters, aims to counter the capabilities of Stinger missiles.
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Rostec Group Vitebsk electronic countermeasure system (Picture source: Russian social media)

The Vitebsk electronic countermeasure system, developed by the Ekran Research Institute, a subsidiary of the Rostec Group, provides advanced electronic protection against air-to-air missiles, including MANPADS such as the FIM-92 Stinger.

The Vitebsk detects and suppresses incoming missiles by generating jamming signals and decoys, thus disrupting their guidance. Designed to operate on a variety of aircraft, the system monitors missile launches within a radius of several kilometers, allowing it to actively counter their trajectory.

According to Rustem Abdullin, Executive Director of the Ekran Research Institute, the Russian aviation electronic warfare system is divided into two parts: a radio-electronic suppression system and an optoelectronic system. The former targets radar guidance heads, while the latter targets thermal heads.

These components, nicknamed by the Russian military as "life eggs," are integral parts of the Vitebsk complex and are strategically positioned on the wings and tail of aircraft. Their essential role is to detect and neutralize enemy missiles upon launch.

The enhanced version of the Vitebsk complex represents a significant advancement: the previously mentioned "balloon" is now capable of detecting and intercepting multiple targets simultaneously. According to Vladimir Butuzov, Chief Designer of the Ekran Research Institute, the mirror scanner inside this "balloon" can detect all missiles fired at an aircraft or helicopter in a single sweep.

Once the targets are identified, the complex's electronics recognize them and determine their direction. Then, the suppression laser comes into action, informing the seeker head of the false target, thereby diverting the trajectory of the enemy missile.

Although the Stinger missile is known for its effectiveness and versatility in air defense, it is not invincible. Electronic countermeasure systems, such as the Vitebsk, provide an effective response to counter the threats posed by the Stinger.

The Vitebsk, equipped on a variety of Russian aircraft, acts as an advanced electronic shield against air-to-air missiles, including MANPADS like the Stinger. Its operation relies on early detection of incoming missiles and suppression of their guidance. By jamming the Stinger's infrared guidance signals and creating decoys, the Vitebsk actively disrupts the missiles' trajectory, preventing them from reaching their target.

While the Stinger is capable of adapting to some countermeasures, such as electronic jamming, the upgraded Vitebsk offers advanced electronic protection that can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the Stinger in a combat environment. By combining early detection, trajectory suppression, and decoy creation, the Vitebsk provides robust defense against portable air-to-air missiles like the Stinger.