Anti-Drone Systems in the Russo-Ukrainian War: The Role of Trench EW

Anti-Drone Technologies

Electronic Warfare (EW) has become an integral part of the Russo-Ukrainian war, where drones play a critical role in reconnaissance, targeting, and attacks. Anti-drone systems enable the detection, jamming, and destruction of enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ensuring the protection of positions and equipment. Portable solutions, such as "buy trench EW," are increasingly popular among military units. This article examines the technical specifications, operating principles, frequency bands, range, and effectiveness of EW systems, with a focus on their use against FPV drones in the context of the war.

Russian EW Systems: Technological Advantage

Russia has actively developed EW systems, creating about 60 new complexes since 1991. These systems, often referred to as "contra drone" or "contradrone," effectively counter Ukrainian drones, causing losses of up to 10,000 units per month. Key examples include:

• Strizh-3: Identifies over 80 drone models, jams control channels at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. Range: up to 3 km.
• Silok: Blocks satellite navigation (GPS, GLONASS) at L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2 (1227.60 MHz) frequencies, with a range of up to 3 km.
• Lesochek: Mounted on armored vehicles, protects against drones at a distance of up to 200 m, jams remote detonators.
• Shipovnik-Aero: Mimics signals, operates across a wide frequency range, and has low detectability.

These systems, also known as contra-drone or contradrone, employ jamming, spoofing, and signal interception methods. For instance, Silok creates an "electronic dome," making positions invisible to drones.

Ukrainian EW Systems: Innovation and Mobility

Ukraine adopts a startup approach to developing anti-drone systems, creating mobile and effective solutions. Over 50 companies, such as Piranha-Tech, Kvertus, and Infozahyst, produce EW systems, with the Brave1 cluster registering over 100 developments. Key systems include:

• Bukovel-AD: Detects drones at 70–100 km, blocks GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/Beidou.
• Enclave: Jams navigation and control at distances over 20 km, integrates with the Polonez complex.
• Piranha AVD 360: Protects armored vehicles, creating a dome with a 600 m radius.
• Kulbaba: A dome-shaped device, protects against FPV drones at 700–1010 MHz, with a 150 m range.
• PARASOL: Protects positions at 200 m, available in two modifications.

These systems, labeled as contra drone or contradrone, are tuned to FPV drone frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) and satellite navigation, making them effective against modern threats.

Trench EW: Protection on the Frontline

Trench EW systems, such as "buy trench EW," are portable devices that can be rapidly deployed to protect frontline positions. Systems like "EW boombox" and "boombox EW" jam drone signals at distances up to 500 m. In Ukraine, such systems are available for purchase through platforms like NeboNashe, with prices starting at 45,000 UAH and power up to 250 W. For example, a "buy trench EW" system can operate at frequencies from 400 MHz to 5.8 GHz, providing protection against FPV drones and commercial UAVs.

Recently, 2,000 units of such systems were distributed among Ukraine’s Defense Forces, underscoring their importance.

Contra Drone Anti-FPV Systems: Countering FPV Drones

FPV drones, operating at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, pose a significant threat due to their maneuverability and precision. Contra drone anti-FPV systems, such as Kulbaba, create protective zones by jamming these frequencies. For instance, contra drone anti-FPV solutions from Kvertus can block signals at distances up to 250 m, significantly reducing the effectiveness of FPV drone attacks. These systems are continuously improved to counter new drone models.

Technical Principles of EW Operation

EW systems employ three main methods:

1. Jamming: Transmitting a powerful signal at the drone’s frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz) to block communication.
2. Spoofing: Generating fake GPS signals to misdirect the drone.
3. Interception: Analyzing enemy signals for intelligence purposes.

The jamming range is calculated using the signal intensity formula: I = P / (4 * π * R²), where:

• I — signal intensity (W/m²),
• P — transmitter power (W),
• R — distance (m).

For example, to jam a drone with a receiver sensitivity of -90 dBm (10⁻¹² W/m²) using a 20 W transmitter, the maximum range R is: R = sqrt(20 / (4 * π * 10⁻¹²)) ≈ 35,680 m (under ideal conditions, excluding losses).

The MS AZIMUTH system scans the 30–6000 MHz range at a speed of 540 GHz/s, detecting signals as short as 32 µs, making it ideal for countering FPV drones.

Impact of EW on the War

EW influences war tactics by reducing the accuracy of GPS-guided munitions and complicating reconnaissance. The Ukrainian Pokrova system spoofs navigation signals, disorienting drones like Shaheds at distances over 100 km. From July 18 to 24, 2024, EW neutralized 7,916 Russian drones, including 4,313 cruise drones and 3,603 FPV drones, equating to 1,979 drones daily or 82 per hour across a 700 km front.

Conclusion

Electronic Warfare is a key element of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Anti-drone systems, such as "buy trench EW," effectively counter UAVs, protecting positions and equipment. Compact solutions like "EW boombox" and "boombox EW" offer mobility and ease of use. The continuous development of EW technologies, labeled as contra-drone and contradrone, will shape the future of warfare.