thunderchief
Senior Member
Interesting hypothesis, I'd wonder what a general policy would be of Russia's military with regards to protecting radar frequencies. I think those F-22 were passively sucking up all the electrons in the air too (to borrow a colonel's expression) so I'm not sure whether the Russians would allow their radars to emit at their full potential. Just like why those MKI's kept their radar in "training mode" (whatever that may mean) during excersises in UK and USA (Red Flag).
Well, Zaslon is relatively well known radar since Tolkachev's leaks in 80ies () . Also, Mig-31 was used in same role F-22 has for US, to intercept probing US recon planes near Soviet/Russian airspace , so it's not like they have much to hide. Russian were sending Tu-95s and other numerous time to do some ELINT on F-22. I guess they are now testing capabilities of current equipment in something close to real deal.