This footage, provided by pilots in the Ukrainian Air Force, shows two SU-27 (NATO reporting: Flanker) fighters, armed with US-provided AGM-88 HARM missiles. The aircraft are loaded with these radar-seeking missiles to conduct standoff strikes against Russian radar sites.

The Soviet-produced Sukhoi-27 and the American-made AGM-88 missile are children of the Cold War, both entering their respective services in 1985. Considering the Su-27 was created specifically as a counter to the US’ vaunted Tomcats and Eagles, no one at either Sukhoi or Raytheon probably ever suspected that these two systems would ever work in tandem- let alone in Ukrainian hands against Russia. In fact, no Soviet or Warsaw Pact aircraft had ever fitted a HARM before they were sent to Ukraine. Therefore, somewhat unsurprisingly, Su-27s did not have a computer system that could host the AGM-88. In another example of ersatz and ad hoc weapons configurations getting the job done in Ukraine, this was initially overcome by running the relevant software programs on tablets in the cockpit. However, there is no indication in this video of that still being the case after two years of integration.

The AGM-88 is a piece of engineering worthy of its own discussion. It seeks out radar antennae and transmitters (in particular those attached to anti-aircraft systems). Naturally, this is primarily intended in a ground-attack context, although during the first Gulf War in 1991, the pilot of an F-4 Phantom mistook the radar of a B-52’s tail gun for that of an AA site, and fired a HARM. Impressively, the B-52 (thereafter christened “In HARM’s Way”) shook off the hit with no casualties. Iraqi AA sites were not as lucky or resilient, and many would reportedly power down at there mere mention of a HARM launch- called out on the radio as “Magnum”- which led to this being used as a bluff by NATO pilots whenever they got picked up by Iraqi radar.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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