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Russia to upgrade Su-34 bomber’s EW system based on Ukraine combat experience

According to the source, the pilot’s role in the upgraded version will be minimized

MOSCOW, May 23. /TASS/. The Khibiny electronic warfare (EW) system mounted on the Su-34 frontline bomber will be upgraded taking into account the results of the bomber’s use in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, a source in defense circles told TASS on Monday.

"The Khibiny onboard electronic warfare suite will be upgraded to make its operation more automated. The pilot’s role in the upgraded version will be minimized," the source said.

TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet.

The Russian Defense Ministry earlier repeatedly posted videos of Su-34 fighter-bombers hammering the Ukrainian army’s positions in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. The bombers delivered strikes against Ukrainian long-term bunker positions, arms and ammunition depots.

The Khibiny is an airborne electronic warfare system. A fighter jet with the Khibiny EW suite on its board turns invisible for enemy radars. The protective radio-electronic field that it creates around the aircraft makes enemy missiles miss their target. The EW suite can help exercise control of the bomber’s weapons, generate decoy jamming and breach enemy multi-layered air defenses. Today the Khibiny EW suite is mounted on Su-34 frontline bombers.