THE ROYAL AIR FORCE is carrying out electronic-warfare (EW) and reconnaissance upgrades to several British Aerospace Harrier GR7 strike aircraft before operational deployment to the Bosnian theatre, against the background of an increasing surface-to-air missile (SAM) threat.
The aircraft are being upgraded by British Aerospace, at Dunsfold. The reconnaissance upgrade is likely to focus on a podded system, while the EW improvements may focus on either additional chaff-and-flare dispensers or fitting the aircraft with a towed radar decoy.
The missile threat facing NATO aircraft flying in support of the United Nations "Deny Flight" operation was highlighted at the end of May with the loss of a US Air Force Lockheed F-16C. The aircraft was flying at around 18,000ft (5,500m) when it was hit by a SAM in the class of the SA-6 Gainful.
Alongside the SA-6, more advanced SAMs are also beginning to appear in the region. The Croat armed forces displayed elements of the Fakel S-300 (SA-10 Grumble) air-defence missile system at a parade in Zagreb on 29 May. It also showed a modified S-75 (SA-2 Guideline), although how "serious" the modifications are, is questionable.
The Croat acquisition of the S-300 is a breach of the UN arms embargo. Croatia is not thought yet to have acquired the associated Clam Shell and Flap Lid-A, as neither of these radar have been detected by NATO electronic-intelligence aircraft.
Source: Flight International
