Cyber warfare is a new dimension in warfare.

Above: Su-57. 

Did Ukrainian cyber warriors cause the crash of the Su-57? 

Russian stealth interceptor, the Su-57, crashed near Moscow. There is suspicion that a Ukrainian cyber attack caused the destruction. In some rumors, the Ukrainian “keyboard killers” programmed some of the AA systems to shoot down the Su-57. There were no missile launches in Moscow at that time. This means that some hijacked gun systems are targeting that aircraft. One possibility is that some hijacked anti-drone systems attacked that fighter. But when we think about the possible points. There, the cyber attacks can be targeted. We might see many possibilities. The next four possibilities. They are the first. That came to my mind. 

1) Some automatic gun systems shot that aircraft down. 

2) Because the IFF is switched off. 

3) Or the IFF database was erased from fire control computers. That makes the system treat all targets as enemy. 

4) The “keyboard killers” switch off the HOTAS and FBW (fly-by-wire) control. Or format the flight control computers. 

There are many automated systems. And if the cyber attacker can hijack those systems. The result can be devastating. If. The hacker switches the fuel that is meant for the aircraft to regular gasoline. That can cause destruction. This means that the hackers. They can cause very large-scale destruction. 

Cyberwarfare is the next dimension in warfare. Those attacks can cause large-scale damage at a minimum cost. The operator can shut down radars and communication tools in a critical moment. Or a cyber spy can search for critical information about enemy plans. Here we must realize. That cyber warriors are part of the military. They operate along with other intelligence, reconnaissance, and attack teams. Even if. We say. That things like missile control systems are safe. Those targets are still “worth a try”. If the missile fire control and flight control database is erased. That can make the aircraft and all other targets vulnerable. 

Sting interceptor (Wikipedia) 

Worst-case scenario. Hackers can theoretically jam nuclear weapons. 

There is also little possibility. Some hackers can deny the launch of nuclear missiles. By changing those launch codes in certain databases. That makes. The real launch codes. Unable to work. But in the worst-case scenario. The hacker has access to the database. And fire control. 

That makes it possible to make even.  An unauthorized launch. The latter happens by switching the information in the computers that host those databases. If. A hacker can switch those codes. That gives the possibility for an unauthorized use of fire control systems. The hacker can switch code in the database. And then input it into the fire control. Or the hacker can switch the transmitter frequency. That denies the launch of the missiles. 

And then the anti-drone drone hired in the Moscow region. It could also destroy the patrolling Su-57. 

But there are many other ways to destroy those jet fighters. One of them is the anti-drone system. It waits for the target near the airfield. The small-sized drone has a speed of about 300 km/h. It can wait anywhere. When. The operator or AI sees the slowly flying jet fighter. The drone can attack that target. The high-tech stealth fighter is vulnerable to shell damage. And if the aircraft searches for drones. This kind of drone. It can hide anywhere. 

The controller needs only an internet connection to control the remote control station. Those small drones are dangerous because they can hide almost anywhere. They can fly near airfields. And sit there. Those small drones can also be equipped with HEAT or side mine-type warheads. The latter sends a melted metal beam to the target. That metal beam is dangerous even for main battle tanks. There are also hybrid HEAT warheads. These send metal balls in their hypersonic jet to the target. This boosts the warhead power. 

https://en.defence-ua.com/news/how_ukrainian_cyber_operation_may_have_led_to_downing_of_russian_su_57_near_moscow-19248.html

https://english.nv.ua/nation/su-57-crashes-in-moscow-oblast-media-report-possible-cause-of-crash-50626803.html

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/pro-ukraine-group-claims-it-helped-hack-russian-drone-air-defence-system-shooting-down-su-57/ar-AA28F2Or?ocid=BingNewsSerp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly-by-wire

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HOTAS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sting_(drone)