Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024 - 24
RF & Microwave Technology
What is Drone Jamming and How Can it Be Countered?
D
eliberate RF jamming of drones has
become one of the most common
battlefield tactics in Ukraine. But what is
jamming, how does it work and how can
it be countered by unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs) in the field?
Radio frequency (RF) jamming of
drones involves deliberate interference
with the radio signals used for communication
between drones and their
operators.
This interference can be achieved by
transmitting strong signals on the same
frequency as the drone's control signals,
effectively overwhelming and disrupting
the communication link. This results
in the drone losing control or becoming
non-functional, as it cannot receive
commands from the operator.
There are two main types of jamming
that often happen often in the
electronic warfare space, including
intentional jamming and unintentional
jamming. Intentional jamming
occurs when an adversary deliberately
interferes with your communication
signals. The goal is to disrupt your control
over unmanned systems, effectively
neutralizing their operational capabilities.
This type of jamming is a
common tactic in electronic warfare,
designed to create confusion and hinder
mission success.
Unintent ional
jamming, on the
other hand, stems from the myriad of
electronic devices prevalent in urban
environments. These devices can inadvertently
interfere with your communication
signals, causing disruptions
that are just as detrimental to your mission
as intentional jamming. Common
sources include Wi-Fi networks, mobile
phones, and other wireless communication
systems that clutter the electromagnetic
spectrum.
Why is RF Jamming Important in
Ukraine?
In Ukraine, the country's use of
drones to turn back invading Russian
forces has led to the conflict to be
labeled a " Drone War, " and jamming
has become one of the top measures
Russians use to counter defense forces'
airborne strategy.
24
Evolve Dynamics, the British UAV manufacturer, features the Doodle Labs Helix Mesh Rider Radio as the
on-board data link for its Sky Mantis 2 drone. (Image: Doodle Labs LLC)
British military think tank RUSI estimated
back in May of 2023 that Ukrainian
forces were losing as many as 10,000
drones per month mainly due to Russian
jamming, and the use of FPV and other
drones has since continued to be a key
tool in battle along a frontline that is
some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) long.
Compounded by reports of Ukrainian
personnel shortages, keeping drones aloft
has become crucial for Ukraine.
As Russians develop new jamming
measures, Ukrainian drone suppliers
and operators invent new counter-measures,
and the cat-and-mouse game of
technology development continues.
How Does RF Jamming work?
The primary goal of RF jamming is to
break the communication link between
the drone and its operator. This can lead
to the drone crashing, returning to its
home point, or hovering aimlessly until
its battery depletes.
mobilityengineeringtech.com
Techniques used for RF jamming
including the following:
* Broadband Jamming: Involves
transmitting high power noise across
a broad range of frequencies, covering
the drone's communication
channels.
* Spot Jamming: Focuses on a specific
frequency band used by the drone, providing
a more targeted and efficient
disruption.
* Barrage Jamming: A combination of
broadband and spot jamming, targeting
multiple frequencies simultaneously
to ensure disruption.
Devices Used for RF Jamming
* Fixed radar and jammers: The most
powerful jammers are larger, fixed variants,
many of which provide static protection
of key assets and stores of mobile
equipment. Static CUAS (counter-uncrewed
aerial system) equipment
Aerospace & Defense Technology, December 2024
http://www.mobilityengineeringtech.com
Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024
Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024 - Intro
Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024 - Sponsor
Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024 - Cov1
Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2024 - Cov2
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