Drones have significantly changed modern warfare, as they are now crucial for surveillance, target striking, and communication. However, their increased use has also led to the development electronic warfare (EW) systems to counter their threat. Drones have become an essential part of military operations, and there is a need for effective and mobile solutions to neutralize them. Tactical EW systems, such as improvised 'trench EW systems' (which are compact, mobile, and effective EW systems designed for frontline operations), have proven invaluable on the front lines, allowing soldiers to protect their positions and neutralize drone threats, significantly improving the success rate of combat missions.
Current Situation and Challenges in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of drones on the battlefield and the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in neutralizing them. Radio enthusiasts and engineers have developed non-mass production "trench EW systems" that effectively disrupt enemy drone control using wideband signal jamming to address the shortage of specialized EW systems.
Contributions of Radio Enthusiasts and Development of Tactical EW Systems
The development and mass production of Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) systems need significant improvement because no country would be prepared for such an intensity of unmanned aerial systems usage. However, the ingenuity and resourcefulness of radio enthusiasts and engineers have taken the initiative to develop and assemble 'trench EW systems.' These mobile and stationary systems have become crucial on the front line, effectively disrupting enemy drone control using wideband signal jamming.
Technical Details and Effectiveness of "Trench EW Systems"
"Trench EW systems" consist of the following key components:
Jammer Module: A noise generator that creates interference for drone control. Jammer modules can operate on different frequencies and vary in power, tailored to target specific drone communication bands and ranges
Cooling: A radiator and fan to prevent the device from overheating.
Power Supply: A reliable energy source for the system's stable operation.
Antenna: This is a critically important element determining the system's effectiveness. A well-designed antenna accounts for up to 60% of the jammer's success.
All these components are assembled into a housing for easy transportation, use, and camouflage.
Drawbacks of Wideband Jamming
Wideband jamming is an effective method for disrupting enemy drone control, but it has significant drawbacks. One primary issue is that wideband interference also affects the devices of friendly forces, leading to disrupted communications and impaired operational capabilities for allied units. Therefore, using such cost-effective solutions requires maximum coordination between units to mitigate the potential negative impacts on friendly operations.
Frequencies Used by Drones and EW Systems
Commercial drones operate on four frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 433 MHz, and 915 MHz. Most expensive commercial drones use 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, enabling the pilot to fly up to approximately 5 km away, with some reaching up to 12 km. Some drones can hop between these bands frequently or use one to fly and the other to send imagery back to the pilot. Amateur-built drones often use 433 MHz or 915 MHz, which may extend their range but limit the video feed's rate and quality.
The issue with jamming these frequencies is that they are not exclusive to drones and are used by various other devices, from hobbyist models to home and industrial automation systems. Therefore, jamming these frequencies can disrupt many systems, necessitating careful consideration and coordination to minimize collateral damage.
However, as electronic warfare continues, drones are starting to change their control frequencies. There is a trend towards using frequencies below 800 MHz, which requires EW systems to adapt and upgrade to effectively suppress these new frequency ranges. This shift is driven by the need for a more extended range and better penetration of obstacles, as lower frequencies can travel further and are less affected by buildings and other structures.
Practical Recommendations for Enhancing EW
Various types of drones are encountered on the battlefield, ranging from commercial DJI and AUTEL models to agricultural and homemade FPV drones. This diversity necessitates a comprehensive approach and coordination. According to information from Madyar, a Ukrainian military drone specialist, analysis of current data from the front line shows a significant number of intercepted and destroyed drones:
April 2024: 1969 drones intercepted, 1435 destroyed.
May 1, 2024: 77 drones intercepted, 55 destroyed.
May 2, 2024: 107 drones intercepted, 83 destroyed.
May 3, 2024: 118 drones intercepted, 77 destroyed. During the stay on the left-bank bridgehead, 6681 drones were intercepted by Ukrainian soldiers, and 5000 were destroyed.
The data shows that over 3000 drones can be intercepted in a month in a typical front section covering several tens of kilometers. Despite the robust defense, about 25% of them still manage to reach their targets, highlighting the necessity for effective EW measures along the front line.
To improve the effectiveness of electronic warfare, the following steps should be implemented:
Electronic Intelligence: Every 2.5 km of the front should be equipped with continuous monitoring using simple systems that radio enthusiasts can assemble. These systems are relatively inexpensive, easy to train on and operate, and effective for drone interception.
Alarm for each soldier: Every frontline soldier should have a personal spectrum analyzer that signals the approach of drones. These devices warn soldiers of potential danger, allowing them to take timely protective measures.
Object Protection (Mobile EW): Each unit needs a portable EW capable of jamming multiple drone control frequency ranges. These devices can be relatively inexpensive but must be high-quality and effective.
Horizontal Coordination of Powerful EW and SIGINT: Coordination of all EW and Electronic Intelligence systems through a single dispatch point every 40-50 km significantly enhances their effectiveness. The dispatch point coordinates the crews' actions, ensuring synchronization and interaction between various units.
Conclusion and Prospects
Effective use of tactical EW systems is vital for modern warfare. These systems help protect soldiers and strategic objects and significantly increase the chances of completing combat missions. The future of EW lies in the development and integration of new technologies that will allow for even more effective countermeasures against drone threats.
The organization and training of EW and Signal Intelligence operators and the coordination of their actions through dispatch points are important; they are critical elements of a successful strategy. Mass production and deployment of such systems will significantly strengthen defensive capabilities and reduce losses on the battlefield.
Comments