The Ukrainian military helicopters will be equipped with the most advanced German AMPS airborne protection system. It includes 16 sensor-based detection and self-defence technologies, and will protect crews from a wide range of threats, including missiles.
This system combines threat detection and anti-missile countermeasures using laser, infrared and radar guidance.
"With the delivery of AMPS we provide an increase in the defense capability of Ukrainian helicopters. By integrating into this platform for the first time, we are protecting crews against a wide range of threats, especially from surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles," said Tanja Altmann, Managing Director of HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH.
The AMPS system itself consists of a sensor that, depending on the configuration, includes cameras for full surveillance, laser detectors and radar detectors. The system automatically analyses threats, provides alerts and performs automatic distribution of deceptive flash.
In addition, the most advanced version of AMPS-MD includes the installation of an active countermeasure complex against infrared-guided missiles, achieved by blinding their seekers.
The order includes 16 AMPS sensor solutions. The order is for a contract worth tens of millions of dollars. The integration of AMPS systems into Ukrainian helicopters will be carried out by the Czech company LOM Praha, which offers the modernization of helicopters such as Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-24, including the installation of such systems. They will also handle the integration of other equipment, including optical monitoring stations and digital cockpits.
It should be noted that the most frequent loss of helicopters in combat zones in recent years is due to the use of infrared surface-to-air missiles by the enemy. In addition, the use of laser and radar threats is becoming increasingly common in combat zones.
The Ukrainian Air Force shared an extremely interesting photo, of a MiG-29 fighter equipped with new pylons (carriers). It should be noted that, judging by its appearance, this aircraft does not belong to Polish or Slovakian assistance.
The standard AKU-470 pylons for the R-27 air-to-air missile are located closer to the centre, while other pylons are unknown. In particular, these pylons appear to be longer than the typical 2.9-meter length of the AKU-470 pylon.
The MiG-29 aircraft already incorporates the Western LAU-118 pylon, which is used to launch AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles. However, it should be noted that this pylon is significantly smaller compared to unidentified pylons.
In addition, shorter pylons are used to launch AIM-120 missiles, which are particularly difficult to integrate into Soviet-era aircraft. Similarly, AIM-9 missiles also require shorter pylons. For example, pylons such as the LAU-127/128/129 (used on the F/A-18, F-15 and F-16) are 2,7 metres long.
There have been theories suggesting that, unknown pylons could have been designed for AIM-7 or IRIS-T missiles, but integrating these missiles into Soviet-era aircraft poses significant challenges.
However, what is worth noting are the attachments on the pylons, which resemble those commonly used for "bomb racks" or other large payloads, according to the Soviet model.
Possibly, it should not be ruled out that this is a new development, where the front of the pylon houses sensors, including those for detecting electronic warfare stations.
