This spectrum catalog is an indispensable resource for electronic warfare (EW), electronic reconnaissance (ER) and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) units.
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In modern warfare, where technology plays a key role, electronic warfare (EW) is an indispensable element of defense. EW is a set of technical means designed to detect, analyze, and suppress enemy electronic signals, providing superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electronic warfare, or EW, is any tool that can disrupt communication between an operator and a piece of equipment that is controlled by electronic means, such as drones, air defense systems, or artillery. It can also jam mobile and satellite communications, disorienting the enemy and making it difficult for them to coordinate. We’re talking about a very wide range of technologies, so let’s try to break it down into categories.
Depending on the distance of impact, electronic warfare devices are divided into several types:
Operational-tactical – operate at a distance of up to 500 km;
Tactical – cover up to 50 km;
Close-range, or “trench” – operate within a radius of up to 10 km.
These types also differ significantly in size: pocket-sized short-range modules are easy to carry in a backpack, while large-sized strategic-level systems are transported by trucks.
If you see a collection of electronic warfare devices, it is most likely a short-range device. We will talk about them in this article.
EW devices create super-powerful electromagnetic interference that literally “clogs” the airwaves. This blocks any signals between the drone and the operator — including the “drone-operator,” “drone-operator,” or “drone-satellite.” As a result, the drone loses contact and becomes uncontrollable. The main goal of EW is to prevent the UAV from fulfilling its mission. If it is a drone with explosives, then after the intervention of the EW device, it simply loses course and flies in the wrong direction — and therefore, the threat is neutralized.
Today, it is no secret to anyone — this is a drone war. The enemy has also realized this, so he is actively increasing the production and import of “birds.” At the same time, the number of EW fees is also increasing — all so that swarms of drones do not reach the positions of our defenders.
EW equipment is actively used on the front line – they are installed in dugouts, positions, trenches, command and observation posts, and are also mounted on armored vehicles and artillery. On average, the “life” of such a device at the front lasts about two weeks, so they try to camouflage and additionally protect them.
Large stationary systems are often buried in the ground, leaving only ventilation holes and antennas visible. Sometimes they are disguised as mobile operator equipment. Portable modules are painted in camouflage or hidden in special covers. It is important that the paint does not block radio signals – so only those options are chosen that do not interfere with the operation of the device.
In essence, the effective range of electronic warfare is determined by how far its radio waves propagate. This parameter is affected by various physical obstacles – trees, buildings, structures, equipment. The terrain also plays an important role: the best result is obtained by placing the electronic warfare equipment on a hill, because in a lowland or pit the device not only loses its effectiveness, but also becomes an easy target for enemy detection or destruction.
Another important detail is the distance between the drone and its operator. The smaller it is, the harder it is to “clog” the signal between them. For example, if the drone is controlled from a distance of 5 km, the electronic warfare device can successfully jam the communication already 300-350 meters from the target. But if the drone and the operator are separated by only 1.5 km, then for effective interference it will be necessary to get closer to it by 100 meters or even less.
One EW device cannot solve all problems – it is not a universal solution. Usually, the military forms complexes from several different devices, each of which performs its specific function. To assemble such an effective set, you need to take into account several important points: which drones most often appear in the area, in what frequency range they operate, which objects or positions need to be covered, and what specific tasks the equipment will face.
There are frequencies that are considered universal for suppressing drones – for example, the range from 700 to 1050 MHz. But most compact devices work with narrow ranges, such as 850–930 MHz. If the main threat is Mavic or Autel drones, then you should focus on the 2.4 GHz (2400–2480) and 5.8 GHz (5725–5850) ranges.
To protect strategic facilities, stationary systems are usually used – large multifunctional domes with several antennas. At the same time, the demand for portable electronic warfare systems is growing – those that can be placed on a car or carried with you. Here it is worth considering practicality: a device with a fragile body will not withstand driving in a car, and a heavy suppressor rifle is difficult to hold in your hands for a long time.
One of the main problems is that electronic warfare systems suppress all drones indiscriminately, regardless of whose device it is. To avoid malfunctions in the operation of their drones, the military coordinates flight routes in advance. However, it is still difficult to avoid cross-jamming 100%.
Another challenge is drones that can change operating frequencies. For example, UAVs operating at frequencies of 500–600 MHz have recently been spotted, although these ranges have not been used before. In response, new electronic warfare systems are being created that can operate with a wider frequency range. The most difficult thing is to counteract drones that change frequency right during the task.
A separate threat is drones with a machine vision system. To effectively combat them, a combination of modern electronic reconnaissance and targeted influence is needed. Such drones can capture a target at a distance of 300–500 meters, but if you have time to accurately calculate the coordinates, a special device with narrowly directional antennas can disable them.
Electronic warfare systems are valuable prey for both sides. Russia has been working on its own systems for many years and has established mass production at state-owned factories. But this is precisely what can work against them. Ukrainian manufacturers are more flexible: they make decisions faster, are not burdened by bureaucracy, and are able to launch competition in open tenders.
Electronic warfare is a constant race with drones. As soon as the enemy starts using new equipment, different software or different frequencies, it is necessary to react quickly and look for new methods of protection. And such a reaction, as a rule, is not delayed: in a maximum of a few months, an effective solution appears that neutralizes the enemy’s advantage.
First of all, the effective operation of EW means is impossible without the support of electronic intelligence – RER. It is these units that detect signals from enemy equipment, determine their location, analyze frequencies and communication patterns. Based on this information, plans are built for further actions in the field of electronic warfare.
It is also worth understanding that no single EW tool can protect against all types of drones. For example, EW is powerless against the Lancet, a loitering munition. It has an optoelectronic guidance system that can capture a target from several kilometers away, so blocking control signals simply makes no sense.
But in the case of the “Shaheds”, the situation is different. They fly in silent mode for a long time, without transmitting signals. But a few kilometers from the object, they begin to connect to the satellite communication channel in order to hit the target more accurately. And it is at this moment that there is a chance for intervention.
EW is not a universal shield, but part of a complex defense system. For effective work, communication with intelligence, understanding of drone types and flexibility in approaches are required. Radio-electronic warfare is a constant technological race in which the one who adapts faster wins.
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