Spearheading R & D on electronic warfare.

By the early 1960s, armies of the advanced states developed high rates of conversion to qualitatively new weapon systems. Their combat characteristics were based on numerous electronic facilities (EF) of different designation. In a reaction, this country also modernized the existing EW equipment and developed its new models. But the general organization of investigations concerned with military scientific validation of priorities in development and the required specifications and performance characteristics (SPC) was at that time a bottleneck in R & D on EW equipment. In that period the military technical problems involved in EW were tackled by dozens of independent divisions at research establishments run by the services and the MOD, but there was no unified coordination on the part of the Armed Forces leadership. In this connection, the USSR Defense Ministry came up with the initiative to set up a single center, and so the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers endorsed the decree, on July 21, 1959, entitled "On the Creation of a Research Testing Center of MOD" (21st RTC MOD). A directive issued by the Chief of General Staff on April 19, 1960, laid down December 25, 1960 as the deadline, before which the Center was to be formed, and that day later became the date of its inauguration. The glorious history of the research establishment which I currently head began on that memorable day, and its evolution passed through a number of stages.

Stage One (1961-1970)

What started the Center on its way was a peculiar triune task oriented to securing a qualitative leap forward in theory and practice of electronic warfare. The first task, for example, was about forecasting the development of the potential adversary's electronic weapons and validating on that basis the current and long-term aims of investigations, R & D, production and combat use of EW assets. The second task was about coordinating scientific investigations into matters related to electronic warfare that were pursued by research establishments of the MOD, research institutes of the Ministry of Defense Industries (MODI) and universities. Its aim was to speed up the development of efficient assets and methods of EW. The uniqueness of the third task was in that it was necessary to deploy the research, production and testing infrastructure capable of a full cycle of R & D on EW equipment, starting from the inception of an idea to the manufacture of an experimental model.

Maj. Gen. A.G. Yershov, an experienced EW specialist, was the man who headed the Center's effort to deal with this triune task. Within a brief timeframe he managed to prepare the ground for both its manning with personnel and the start of scientific investigations.

Maj. Gen. V.I. Kuznetsov was appointed to head the 21 RTC MOD in 1963. He held the job for more than 20 years and during that time the Center came into its own and developed successfully as the MOD's principal research establishment specializing in matters of electronic warfare.

The fist stage laid the firm foundation of a system methodology to investigate the military problems of EW. It also created a unique laboratory and testing-range measuring infrastructure. The main scientific achievements in that period where the above three tasks are concerned are as follows: creation of scientific underpinnings for investigations into EW problems; development of theoretical methods to evaluate the impact of jamming on the potential adversary's electronic systems; creation of theoretical foundations for identifying real targets among decoys; development of the concept and principles of ECM technique directed against radar, radio communications and optical electronic equipment; development of methods for evaluating combat efficiency of EW equipment and for military economic validation of EW weapon system; development of unified methodologies for measuring target characteristics, which both MOD and MODI could use.

The results obtained made it possible to form a system of views on EW, lay the foundations of MOD's unified technical policy in this area, and develop the first program for the delivery of EW equipment to the Armed Forces.

Of much importance for practical testing of R & D was a breadboard experimental outfit (BEO) created within the institute in April 1961. It comprised a radio assembly bay and a mechanic assembling bay, which grew into four shops measuring a total of 1,500 square meters with around 100 employees as early as late 1961. In 1962, BEO doubled its labor force and tripled its production areas. Research done by its scientific departments resulted in the manufacture of several models of specialized equipment which was installed on several Li-2 planes and a Mi-4 helicopter. An experimental plant was launched on the basis of BEO in 1967, something that made it possible to expand work of experimental investigation and practical confirmation of things resulting from the

institute's theoretical endeavor.

The Center's pioneering developments that led to the appearance of packages of assets designed to penetrate antimissile defenses, HF and VHF-UHF-SHF-EHF jamming stations, airborne defensive systems, electro-optical suppression assets, air-dropped jammers, phased-array jammers, etc., remain such to this day. All of these were incorporated in appropriate electronic suppression equipment models.

The Center's work to validate the first domestic IBM warhead protection system had considerable repercussions in this country. It was a major development that went the whole way from R & D to adoption. Governmental decorations were conferred on a team of scientists (I.M. Salnikov, D.I. Butorin, M.N. Mironov, and some others) who did the job at the Institute.

In 1967, the Center was entrusted with the chief role on the national scale in securing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of EF. From that time on, theoretical and experimental investigations into EMC of EF began, which included development of methods to reduce (and establish the admissible) levels of extraband and spurious radiation in different classes of EF; identification of measures enabling the efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum; the making of technical standards documents regulating the use of EF, both adopted and in the R & D stage; as well as methodological and information support for MOD radio frequency agencies on EMC of EF.

All of that and the efforts of all employees resulted in the Center emerging, by 1970, as a diversified, unique research establishment within the MOD and a leader on the national scale. Its uniqueness was expressed in its ability to independently make scale models of electronic suppression equipment, relying solely on its scientific directorates, specialized designing bureau, and experimental plant. It was also unique in that it had its own testing air squadron. The Government gave a high estimate to the Center's services. In 1970, it was awarded Anniversary Lenin Diploma of Honor, and many employees were decorated with orders and medals. The Center also acquired its first winner of the USSR State Prize--Maj. Gen. V.I. Kuznetsov, its own head. Subsequently the same title was conferred on V.K. Yakunin and V.V. Strakanev in recognition of their achievements in developing new models of electronic suppression equipment.

Stage Two (1971-1980)

This stage in the Center's activities was connected with its reassignment to the General Staff of the Armed Forces and a considerable expansion of its scope. This found an expression in efforts to improve the Center's structure and in the imposition of new lines of scientific inquiry. In 1971, for example, investigations were stepped up into EW methods in operations, and methods of electronic suppression of radio communications and radio navigation. In 1975, the specialized designing bureau spawned a new directorate to investigate the principles of the making and designing of scale models of electronic suppression equipment. In 1977, the Center was assigned the chief role in comprehensive countermeasures against foreign technical reconnaissance services (CM FTRS). The period saw the endeavor to elaborate the fundamentals of the ideology and methodology of comprehensive solutions to EW problems. The systems approach was practiced on a broad scale to validate requirements to EW equipment as well as the organization and pursuance of EW. Principles were developed and implemented for program targeted planning of ES equipment advancement. The now generally accepted lines in inter-service standardization of ES equipment took shape. As before, much attention was given to development and manufacture of experimental models and scale models of ES equipment (more than 40 models were made). These were used in the course of army exercises and preceded a number of industrial makes.

Jointly with the industry, the Center came up with the world's first scale model of refraction plasma signature-reduction assets and held its successful tests on location. In that period, the Center's R & D was embodied in the first ES system to address ultrashortwave communications, adaptive systems for individual-reciprocal facility protection, and radar proximity fuse jammers.

In 1979, the Center was given a new assignment consisting in military scientific support for R & D on ES equipment directed at radio communications. The new ideology of warfare against communications systems operated by command and control agencies at different levels, and the principles underlying the design of appropriate ES equipment were developed in the same period. Specifically, the principles of adaptive ES systems directed at satellite communications were validated for the first time in the world. Based on the Center's suggestions, the industry developed the first helicopter-flown jamming station, an automated jamming system for shortwave and ultrashortwave communications, small-size portable jammers, and a remotely controlled jamming aircraft.

To counter the advanced Western countries adopting multirole, multifunction radars and developing radar systems on their basis, electronic suppression methods were suggested based on direction- and frequency-wise multichannel high-potential phased-array ES systems. A program was also drawn up aimed at developing a standardized number of suppression assets for all services of the Armed Forces.

The military conflicts in the Middle East have demonstrated the growing combat control role of airborne command and control centers with radar early warning systems (AWACS, Hawkeye). This prioritized the development of ES systems operating on the rapid reaction principle, which task the Center successfully accomplished.

By the late 1970s, the 21 RTC MOD became a mature scientific establishment which succeeded in formulating a generally recognized system of views on military and military-technical problems of ES, EMC, and CM FTRS.

Stage Three (1981-1990)

This stage was characterized by high rates of new EW equipment flowing to the army. Highly educated military specialists came to be needed to service the equipment and use it in combat. With this purpose, the Higher Military Engineer School of Electronics was set up in Voronezh in 1980. The Institute played an important role in helping the School come into being. It also manned it with teachers and provided its material infrastructure. Not long ago, the School was converted to an institute, and is currently one of the MOD's leading educational establishments in the area of electronic warfare.

In 1985, the MOD's 21st Research Testing Center was renamed the 5th Central Research and Testing Institute of the Ministry of Defense. Since 1986, it was headed by Maj. Gen. E.V. Kosenko, who was replaced, in 1987, by Maj. Gen. (later Lieut. Gen.) V.Ya. Palei. The latter headed the Institute till 1990.

Based on trends in enemy weapon systems, the 1980s was a period that saw much more intense military scientific investigations into new EW methods directed against reconnaissance-and-attack systems. An enhanced attention was also given to providing a comprehensive solution to EW problems and to developing electronic and electronic-optical suppression equipment (ES and EOS) stable in a conflict. Of much importance in this sense was the system EW conflict theory the Institute drew up.

Simultaneously the Institute worked on reducing the signature of WME facilities, which became an independent scientific trend of its own. Within its framework, investigations were pursued into new means and methods of reducing the signature of WME. A unique simulating measurement-making installation was developed, which studied local and integral radar and optical characteristics under testing-range and laboratory conditions.

At this stage, the Institute substantially strengthened its prestige as an authority on CM FTRS. The importance of its suggestions for the weapons program increased, and its ties with the Academy of Sciences, and with organizations and enterprises of the Defense Ministry and the industry expanded and intensified. The Institute began cooperating closely with more than one hundred organizations belonging to different ministries and agencies.

Against the background of a wide-scale assimilation of electronic equipment in the armed forces, a system of views was validated on the electronic protection (EP) as one of the components of EW. Moreover, the foundations of a methodology took shape, connected with planning the use of radio frequency spectrum. Two first programs were drawn up, approved and implemented, envisaging a comprehensive standardization in the area of EMC of military EF.

Improving different EF and creating on their basis reconnaissance-and-attack systems and complexes required that new EW methods be developed in the interests of all services of the Armed Forces. To deal with this task, the Institute validated approaches to creating ES assets of reconnaissance-and-attack systems and complexes, as well as reconnaissance-and-attack strategic systems. First ES digital systems and assets appeared in many respects due to the Institute's efforts. It also developed a new ideology of team and reciprocal protection of air combat formations, and cruise missile salvos by naval ships. It formulated proposals on how to penetrate army antimissile defenses and on principles for a new generation of highly efficient ES systems to be used against radio communications. Latest EOS systems due to match the enemy's futuristic precision weapons come a short way from the idea to adoption.

Stage Four (1991-2000)

This stage was characterized by rapid advances in information technologies and a considerable enhancement of EW's significance and its impact on the course and outcome of information confrontation. Some particular importance attached to investigations designed to validate automated control stations for EW units, ones enabling implementation of the new concept for weapons systems and a build-up in EW efforts.

The Institute developed the basis of a state information protection system, a concept and a model of technical control over facilities and territory in the interests of national security, portable equipment for active countermeasures, and a set of methodological standards documents on information protection at the state level.

In 1991, Maj. Gen. Yu.S. Sukhorukov was appointed as the head of the 5th CRTI of MOD, and he held the job till 1993. His replacement, Maj. Gen. V.A. Gubarev, headed the Institute till 1999.

Currently the Institute is active in conducting military-scientific and military-technical investigations in all aspects of the problem connected with developing and improving the EW system of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. A distinguishing feature of the present (fifth) stage in the Institute's activities is the necessity of dealing with its tasks with account taken of severe financial constraints on the development of weapons and military equipment, and, as a consequence, a shift in emphasis in investigations to finding some rational ways of a balanced evolution of the EW system of the RF Armed Forces and its conflict stability. Possessing a sufficient number of professionally trained employees, a well-developed technical research infrastructure, a streamlined information support system, and a store of knowledge and new ideas, the Institute performs, under the modern conditions, a wide range of works connected with EW problems, doing it with high quality and within agreed timeframes.

In my view, it is worth noting in particular that a continuity of traditions is of much importance in the history of any establishment as a scientific organization. History and the times have divided the Center's scientists into appropriate generations. The first generation of scientists (doctors of technical sciences V.I. Kuznetsov, S.I. Pozdnyak, E.I. Kulikov, E.F. Sviridov, I.Ya. Kremer, A.L. Gutman, I.Yu. Yusupov, V.P. Malaichuk, Ya.Z. Savitsky, N.M. Tsarkov, and N.M. Volchkov; candidates of technical sciences F.V. Yelizarov, D.I. Butorin, A.E. Kalikeyev, and others) was mostly made up of scientists and specialists who came to the Center from other organizations. They created the first scientific schools, made an invaluable contribution to the methodology of scientific investigations, and actually laid the foundation of EW theory.

The second generation of scientists already took shape within the Center. It includes doctors of sciences Yu.S. Sukhorukov, V.V. Bykov, A.P. Yarygin, V.I. Vladimirov, V.A. Melititsky, V.I. Miroshnichenko, V.A. Ponkin, Yu.G. Bugrov, P.M. Yukhno, V.L. Karpukhin, G.D. Mikhailov, V.G. Radziyevsky, A.M. Bombin, A.D. Lutsenko, V.V. Solovyov, and others. Taking over the torch from the elder generation, they brought theoretical science closer to practice, merging them into one whole, and ensured the development, within a brief timeframe, of the necessary EW equipment at a qualitatively new level.

The third generation of scientists (doctors of sciences Yu.L. Koziratsky, V.M. Shlyakhin, V.N. Poddubny, A.V. Baburin, Z.B. Fedukovich, A.A. Sirota, and Yu.E. Donskov; candidates of sciences P.F. Astapenko, Yu.K. Yazov, V.G. Gerasimenko and many others), while developing the scientific groundwork created by the previous generations, made a noticeable contribution to EW bedrock foundations against the background of ongoing military reform.

It is an axiom that every research establishment is strong to the extent of an unbreakable link existing between different generations. It successfully stood the test of time at the Center. The new fourth generation of scientists (doctors of sciences V.N. Povetko, and V.A. Mironov; candidates of sciences Yu.I. Mayevsky, S.A. Panov, V.A. Dvornikov, V.A. Balybin, V.S. Kazakov, S.P. Barinov, A.D. Sorokin, E.F. Ivankin, V.S. Markin, G.D. Vystorobsky, S.V Sova, V.Yu. Khramov, V.N. Timokhin, Yu.V. Voronin and many others), while going on with the traditions of their teachers, are active in developing the theoretical and experimental framework of investigations, tackle urgent problems of EW against futuristic electronic information control system, and translate ideas into EW equipment models and army practice.

The Center has created an efficiently functioning system that trains scientific personnel. The system is based on doctoral and postgraduate studies (resident and correspondence) attended by over ten promising officers a year. During the Center's entire history, its employees defended more than 40 doctoral theses and 550 candidate's theses. More than 250 academic degrees of senior research fellow and 20 professorial degrees were conferred.

The Center also performed upwards of 6,000 research stints and urgent assignments. As a result, more than 150 EW equipment models were adopted in all services and combat arms; more than 3,000 technical standards documents were drawn up, including standards, instructions, and regulations on combat employment and operation of EW equipment; the Center's experimental plant manufactured around 150 units of technical assets directly for staffs and line units; over 1,900 certificates of authorship and patents for inventions were obtained; 6,000 monographs, teaching aids and scientific articles were published.

In 1970, the Center's high indicators in scientific and production activities were rewarded with the award of the challenge Red Banner.

Dozens of employees saw their achievements in developing new equipment and theoretical groundwork in the area of military electronics rewarded with orders and medals as well as the titles of the winner of the State Prize and the prizes of the USSR Government and the RF Government. Between 2000 and 2001 alone, 18 employees were decorated with RF orders and medals for equipment they had developed. The International Salon of Industrial Property conferred on the Institute the gold medals Archimedes-2001, Archimedes-2002, Archimedes-2003, and Archimedes-2004, as well as the "Respect and Gratitude" diploma--all for its original and unique engineering R & D without parallel in the world.

The Center's employees tested their ideas and R & D in practice during the military conflicts in Vietnam, the Middle East, Afghanistan and Chechnya. The correctness of their scientific ideas and their implementation was fully confirmed under real combat circumstances, this bearing witness to the high skills of the Center's scientific and engineering personnel.

Changed views on forms and methods of military conflict settlement, with an emphasis on information confrontation measures, make it possible to estimate in a new way the importance of electronic warfare as a type of operational (combat) support. The armed forces of advanced countries are getting new types of weapons. New discoveries are made in science and inventions in technology. New electronic and information technologies are being developed. It is for this reason that the Center continues to make strides and its personnel, while being clearly aware of their designation, are able to successfully deal with current and would-be problems in the area of development and improvement of forces and assets of electronic warfare.

Maj. Gen. A.I. AKULININ

Chief, FSRTC EW EESR RF MOD

Anatoly Ivanovich AKULININ was born on November 11, 1951. He finished Krasnoyarsk Radio Technical School (1972), and Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov Air Defense Military Command Academy (1981). During his military service consecutively held positions as deceptive jamming platoon and later company commander (FEMD), chief of independent EW post (NCMD), chief of independent EW center (VMD), EW chief of the 27th Air Defense Corps of BMD, and commander of an independent EW regiment (BMD). From 1994, deputy chief, Military Electronics Institute. From 1999, chief, 5th Central Research and Testing Institute of RF MOD (from 2005, FSRTC EW EESR RF MOD). Winner of the RF Government Prize in the area of science and technology.