Microwave microchips for the Su-57 fighter and the S-500 Prometheus air-defence system are expected to be manufactured in Russia by the end of 2027.
The governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast, Denis Pasler, recently announced that an enterprise has begun designing and constructing the country’s first factory capable of serial production of microwave microchips across the full technological cycle.
According to Pasler, the facility’s planned production capacity will be up to 2,000 silicon wafers per year.
Microwave microchips are integrated circuits (ICs) designed to operate at microwave frequencies, ranging from roughly 300 MHz to 300 GHz. They are used in applications such as radar, satellite communications, unmanned systems, wireless networks, and high-speed data processing.
A common example is the Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC), which integrates components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors onto a single semiconductor substrate—typically gallium arsenide (GaAs) or silicon—to efficiently process microwave signals.
These chips handle ultrafast data and wireless signals in real time for tasks including signal decoding, radar tracking, and pattern recognition.
The Su-57’s N036 Byelka airborne radar is likely to rely on such microwave chips, as do the 96L6-CP radar of the S-350A Vityaz air-defence system and the 98L6 Yenisei radar used with the S-500 and S-400 systems.
Su-57 Byelka Radar
The N036 Byelka (“Squirrel”) is an advanced X-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system developed by the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design (NIIP) for the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter.
It serves as the aircraft’s primary fire-control radar, featuring a nose-mounted N036-1-01 array with approximately 1,514–1,526 gallium arsenide (GaAs) transmit/receive (T/R) modules.
This is supplemented by two side-looking N036B-1-01 X-band arrays, each with around 358–404 T/R modules, providing an expanded azimuth coverage of up to ±135°. In addition, L-band arrays embedded in the wing leading edges support IFF and electronic-warfare functions.
The GaAs substrate offers high electron mobility, low noise, and efficient operation in dense electronic environments, although it lags behind gallium nitride (GaN) in power density and heat dissipation.
Key capabilities reportedly include detection ranges of up to 400 km against targets with a 1 m² radar cross-section, simultaneous tracking of 60 airborne and 30 ground targets, and engagement of up to 16 air and four surface targets. Air-to-air and air-to-ground modes can operate concurrently.
The system incorporates sensor fusion and additional rear-facing elements to provide near-360° coverage, enhancing situational awareness, resistance to jamming, and survivability in contested airspace.
S-400 / S-500 Yenisei Radar
The Yenisei radar is an advanced S-band AESA system developed primarily for the S-500 Prometey air-defence system.
It features a large AESA array—approximately 3 × 4 metres—based on gallium arsenide technology. The radar offers long-range detection up to 600 km, high-resolution imagery, precise tracking of both ballistic and aerodynamic targets, and strong resistance to electronic countermeasures.
Designed for continuous, long-duration operation, it also incorporates low-probability-of-intercept characteristics.
Although developed for the S-500, the Yenisei can be integrated with S-400 batteries as a multifunctional fire-control radar, improving missile guidance accuracy and overall system effectiveness in dense electronic-warfare environments.
Russia’s Dependence on China
There is speculation that Russia is dependent on China for microchips and MMICs fitted on its high-end systems.
While the speculation may reflect reality, it is important to note that Russia produces MMICs domestically through firms such as Mikropribor and Istok.
However, the MMIC production has relied on imported components and machinery. It’s possible that MMIC production was disrupted after the imposition of Western sanctions in 2022, limiting Russia’s access to advanced semiconductors.
It is likely that, at least some MMICs in the Su-57’s N036 Byelka radar and the S-400’s associated radars (such as the 92N6E Grave Stone or the integrable Yenisei) are sourced from or via China.
The evidence for this is circumstantial. For example, in 2023-2024, China supplied ~90% of Russia’s microelectronics, including specialized chips for guidance, radar, and military applications.
However, since production at Mikropribor pivots on components sourced from the West, it is likely that China is primarily used as a conduit for importing Western components used in MMICs.
For example, the S-400 system depends on foreign radar substrates (e.g., US-made RO4003C laminates) obtained via China/Hong Kong.
Because China has only a limited number of S-400 systems, it is unlikely that it is locally manufacturing major electronic components for them. As such, China likely supplies Russia with other electronic materials, such as PCB laminates.
It’s important to note that the governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast, Denis Pasler, announced that the new plant would be the “country’s first factory capable of serial production of microwave microchips across the full technological cycle.”
Impact on India
India, which currently operates three S-400 systems, is likely to acquire at least ten eventually. Local manufacture of S-400 systems is also being considered.
Meanwhile, HAL is in advanced technical negotiations with Russia’s UAC for the local manufacture of the Su-57 stealth fighter.
Based on the analysis above, it is highly unlikely that IAF S-400 or Su-57 systems would be negatively impacted by Russia’s likely limited and transient dependence on Chinese electronic components.
Russia’s investment in full-cycle design and development of MMICs will ensure that India does not become dependent on China.
In addition, India already has design capabilities and ambitious plans to manufacture MMICs as part of its broader semiconductor push under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Indian design plans reportedly include advanced 3 nm nodes.
MMIC manufacturing capability is also emerging through plans that include a US–India joint fab for GaN and SiC semiconductors by 2029. Within a reasonable timeframe, India can manufacture the electronic components required for the S-400 and Su-57 systems.
- Vijainder K Thakur is a retired IAF Jaguar pilot, author, software architect, entrepreneur, and military analyst.
- THIS IS AN OPINION ARTICLE. VIEWS PERSONAL OF THE AUTHOR
- Follow the author @vkthakur
