@gambit
A off topic question. How one calibrate ones RWR for enemy radar emitters? Do these guys steal the info through espionage or is there any technical method to differentiate friend and foe?
Espionage and signals intelligence ( SIGINT ).
For an excellent example of espionage, look up Adolf Tolkachev. But there are many non publicized activities.
For SIGINT, we conduct electromagnetic ( EM ) provocative flights outside the borders of the targeted country, as their radars becomes active, we record those signals for later analyses. The signals are usually ground stations and often from intercepting fighters.
The technical sophistication of a country inevitably reflects in the pulse characteristics and that is what we want. When a system is certified for active duty, the design is essentially 'locked in', meaning very little modifications are possible. It will take yrs to come up with a variant or a completely new design. In the meantime, we collect as much technical details as possible. Once the latest system is deployed, the whole cycle starts all over.
Do Russian Radar systems can jam Western systems effectively?
A radar system is usually designed
NOT to perform electronics warfare ( EW ) operations. Of course, with the latest AESA systems, EW actions are now available. Even so, a radar system's first duty is to detect, not EW.
Regarding EW...If you talk to a Russian, of course it is 'Da'. What else can he say ?
But tactics against enemy EW varies greatly and no one is better than US or even just as good as US. Countering enemy EW is more than just manipulating electronic signals, in the sky or inside a 'black box'. In fact, going against enemy EW signals is considers foolhardy by US. The best countermeasure against enemy EW is to avoid it completely. Sample it, analyze it, and determine if the signal is a radar seeking signal or an EW signal.
If it is an EW signal, do not meet it head on, as in trying to achieve 'burn through'. That is brute force. Spear against shield. This is where Hollywood specializes. Instead, fly below/around the EW field. Deploy another flight that will use seduction/distraction tactics. Constant intelligence and training are necessary and not many countries are willing or afford to do that on the scale like US.