The addition of DIY drone-jammer onto their vehicles by the Russians has been observed. In response, the Ukrainians have resorted to countering this by utilizing drones to blow up these jammers.
The fear of Ukrainian drones among Russian marines is justified. All Russian troops are making every effort to intercept, disable and repel these small drones that are loaded with explosives.
Although improvisation can be effective, it is not always successful. It has been observed that Russian troops are attaching RP-377 radio-jammers, which are intended to disrupt the signals that activate radio-triggered improvised explosive devices, to their tanks and combat vehicles in an attempt to interfere with the signals that operate fast first-person-view drones.
The inefficiency of RP-377 against FPV drones is becoming more evident. Social media is flooded with darkly-ironic videos that show Ukrainian drones destroying Russian vehicles equipped with homemade drone-jammers.
Thematically, the videos bear resemblance to those portraying Ukrainian forces demolishing Russian GPS-jammers using GPS-guided bombs, as you might have anticipated.
The Russians' drone predicament is exemplified by an awkward T-80BVM tank from either the 155th Brigade or 40th Brigade of the Russian naval infantry, which features homemade cage armor that may impede the turret's movement but could provide some defense against detonating drones.
The tank's rearmost cage armor is adorned with the peculiar RP-377 radio-jammer. Developed by the Kremlin, this portable jammer serves the purpose of disrupting enemy communications and safeguarding infantry and vehicles against improvised explosive devices.
Russia's irregular warfare campaigns, notably in Syria, are greatly plagued by the issue of IEDs. Conversely, in Ukraine, where the primary combatants are regular forces, the prevalence of these explosive devices is relatively diminished.
The presence of RP-377s on the hulls of Russian vehicles on the Ukraine front line is becoming increasingly common. It is unlikely that these jammers are intended to counter IEDs. It seems that the Russians are relying on the RP-377s to neutralize drones.
Principle dictates that both a remote IED and a drone are equally susceptible to radio-jamming. In 2020, after conducting tests, the Russian troops stationed in the Eastern Military District asserted that their RP-377s effectively aided in suppressing unmanned aerial vehicles.
Indeed, numerous drones feature frequency-hopping controls or autopilots that effectively counteract the impact of radio-jamming. Consequently, there have been numerous instances of successful drone strikes on vehicles equipped with additional RP-377s.
It is worth noting that a Ukrainian FPV drone collided with a Russian BMP fighting vehicle equipped with an RP-377 a few weeks ago, which is quite ironic.
PROCLAMATION: A Halloween spectacle featuring a gigantic, glowing skeleton suspended above people in an open square near the Burj Khalifa was created using drones.
Experts have concluded that the video is a fabrication. They have identified several clear signs that the "drone show" is not real, such as its speed, which is faster than what drone technology currently allows. Moreover, the absence of any reaction from the audience below the skeleton to the massive spectacle above them is another indication that the video is fake.
Since Halloween, a video has been making rounds on social media, claiming to show a nighttime display that almost reached the height of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building signal jamming.
In a brief 8-second snippet, a captivating display unfolds, showcasing a skeleton-like figure composed of illuminated drones. This drone skeleton gracefully advances, hovering directly above the pedestrians who are leisurely navigating an outdoor plaza adjacent to Dubai Mall, an expansive shopping complex renowned worldwide. Notably, the skeleton's impressive height nearly matches that of the towering skyscraper, measuring an astounding 2,716 feet and 6 inches (828 meters).
According to a TikTok post that shared the video, the #Halloween drone show in Dubai took a hair-raising turn as a spooky skeleton materialized in the sky. As of Friday, the video had been watched around 8.5 million times.
A political angle was added by other users to the chilling display, as evidenced by a post on X, previously known as Twitter, which states: "During Halloween, the UAE presents an extraordinary drone simulation featuring a gigantic skeleton at Burj Khalifa in Dubai. This decision has caused outrage among numerous Muslim countries, who perceive Halloween as a 'satanic holiday' observed during the tragic events in Gaza."
Nonetheless, as per multiple experts interviewed by The Associated Press, the video does not genuinely present a skeleton constructed using drones.
The unequivocal statement came from Preston Ward, the chief pilot and general counsel for Sky Elements Drone Shows in Fort Worth, Texas. Ward categorically dismissed the display as a complete fabrication and took to social media to expose its falseness drone jammer.
Ward emphasized multiple hints in the video that challenge the true nature of the skeleton. Notably, its movement surpasses the current capabilities of drone technology, exhibiting an excessive speed. Furthermore, despite the estimated involvement of around 2,000 drones, the absence of significant noise is unexpected. Lastly, the flawless execution of the display appears highly unlikely.
He commented, "The visual aspect appears remarkably flawless, as well. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that there will always be some room for error. In a live show, there will always be an element of unpredictability. Furthermore, all their colors exhibit an identical appearance, and the glows possess a similar radiance."
In addition, Ryan Sigmon, co-founder of Firefly Drone Shows in Detroit, emphasizes the potential dangers of flying drones over pedestrians in a crowded location, similar to the one shown in the video. He concurs that the skeleton featured in the footage does not possess a realistic appearance.
Besides the technological and logistical concerns, it is striking that none of the individuals captured in the video exhibit any response to the enormous structure looming over them. It is highly unlikely that this is the only video circulating online from the alleged show, especially considering the ubiquity of smartphones in today's era. Furthermore, there has been no indication of any show being announced or advertised in Dubai.
Although the source of the video is unknown, it was shared on TikTok by Geoscan Group, a drone show production company, on Tuesday and received a significant amount of attention, with millions of views. Geoscan has not provided any comment regarding the video, and it has been removed from their TikTok account as of Friday.
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The statement from an official source confirms that a US Reaper drone was shot down by Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, near Yemen.
Houthi forces have managed to shoot down an unmanned US military drone near the Yemeni coast, as stated by a defense official to CNN.
The official confirmed that the MQ-9 Reaper drone was operating in international airspace and over international waters when it was shot down. US Central Command is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
The shootdown, which the Iran-backed Houthi militants took responsibility for earlier on Wednesday, happened several weeks after the USS Carney, a US Navy warship, successfully intercepted a barrage of missiles and drones fired by the Houthis as they were making their way northward along the Red Sea. As per CNN's previous report, the ship managed to shoot down four cruise missiles and 15 drones during a span of nine hours. The trajectory of these projectiles left no room for ambiguity, clearly indicating that they were aimed at Israel.
In the aftermath of Hamas' attack on Israel, Iranian proxy groups have heightened their aggression towards US forces and assets in the Middle East. Over the past weeks, there have been approximately 40 attacks on US and coalition bases in Iraq and Syria. These attacks have caused minor injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, among several US servicemembers, as confirmed by officials.
"Iranian fingerprints are all over this," said a senior defense official, who also referred to Iran as "the center of gravity" for the attacks on US forces in the region. The official's statement suggests that Iran is responsible for the attacks.
To counter the actions of certain groups, the United States carried out retaliatory airstrikes in Syria on October 26. These airstrikes were directed towards the infrastructure utilized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its associated proxies. The precision-guided munitions used in the operation were deployed by an F-15 fighter jet and a pair of F-16 fighter jets. The primary objective of these strikes was to disable a weapons and ammunition storage facility located in Abu Kamal, near the border between Syria and Iraq.
As per CNN's report, Iran is actively seeking to benefit from the opposition to US support for Israel. Although Tehran may not be explicitly guiding the groups' attacks, it does appear to be endorsing them.
Following the counterattacks in Syria last month, the US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gave a powerful warning to Tehran.
We are aware of the concerns raised by Austin regarding the recent attacks against our forces. We believe in the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with all nations and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with Iran to address any issues of mutual concern. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our forces and will take appropriate measures to protect them.
A bombing drone, as its name suggests, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) primarily employed for conducting drone strikes. It falls within a broader classification of combat drones that fulfill various roles such as target acquisition, surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering.
Bomber drones, despite being unmanned, are not completely automated. Instead, they are typically operated by humans in real-time from a remote location.
It is evident that there is a significant reduction in weight when compared to conventional aircraft, as all the requirements of a human pilot are irrelevant in this case.
The following is a concise overview of stealth bombers and the mechanics behind their disabling process.
In an ideal world, bomber drones would epitomize the authentic essence of stealth. As one can envision, this entails evading detection from targets entirely. Any potential compromise could result in an unsuccessful culmination of an ongoing mission.
The US Air Force's RQ-170 serves as a prime illustration of a compromise. In December 2011, an RQ-170 crashed on the border between Iran and Afghanistan. The Iranians quickly seized the wreckage and began reverse engineering their own version of the technology.
The RQ-180 owes its existence not only to the ability to replicate but also to the capability to enhance the original design. These drones are designed to be undetectable spy aircraft, but what does the term "stealth" imply in this context?
The majority of individuals associate drone stealth with its capacity to evade radar detection. While satellites possess extensive visibility, their operational rigidity limits their ability to adapt, thereby playing a role in the incorporation of detection avoidance features in certain designs.
The functioning of radar technology is relatively straightforward. It operates by emitting a signal that reflects off an aircraft, revealing its location and enabling tracking capabilities.
Nevertheless, the challenge intensifies when dealing with drones that possess a compact design, thereby giving rise to the concept of their stealthiness.
The flaw in this myth arises from its failure to take into account the influence of radio frequencies. Without a doubt, attaining autonomous control necessitates a certain degree of communication reliant on frequencies. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that these frequencies can be obstructed through the use of appropriate technology.
However, opting for this approach does entail a higher degree of complexity in contrast to relying on radar recognition for detecting drones.
The equipment available in this location can be categorized into two groups: drone detection and drone disruption. The former is dedicated to identifying drones, while the latter is primarily focused on deactivating the detected drones.
The use of drones poses a potential threat to both human safety and security. Additionally, they are frequently employed for espionage purposes, gathering sensitive information from secure locations like military installations, and can cause harm by transporting explosives.
The counter-drone technology field has been advancing at a rapid pace, particularly in the military sector. To find out about the top four trending counter UAS technologies, read on.
The drone detection solution is frequently employed by militaries to apprehend drones. Once the net intercepts a drone, it halts its movement and forces it to descend to the ground. This effective measure ensures that a drone cannot return to its sender, thereby preventing the leakage of sensitive information from a military station or, worse, averting potential physical harm caused by any explosives it may be carrying.
Advantages of using nets to catch drones include a low risk of harm to the sender or others due to explosions, as well as the possibility of identifying and punishing the sender. Ground-launched net cannons are highly accurate.
One drawback is that drone deployed nets have a lengthy reload time. This means that if there are multiple drones or if the target is not caught on the first attempt, the threat remains.
Radar employs radio energy for the purpose of object detection. With the aid of radars, the direction and position of a drone can be accurately determined. The majority of radars transmit a radio signal and subsequently receive the echo. Nevertheless, they seldom detect small targets. Originally, radars were developed to track larger objects like passenger aircraft. However, military forces also utilize radars to locate smaller drones that may be present in the vicinity.
Advantages: Radars are capable of covering vast areas, providing precise location information, and detecting multiple targets simultaneously. Given the necessity for unwavering vigilance in defense operations, regardless of weather conditions, radars serve as an excellent solution, even in situations of reduced visibility like fog, darkness, and more.
Drawback: The majority of radars are unable to differentiate between diminutive drones and tiny airborne creatures like bats or birds. As a result, radars may not be entirely effective for military purposes, as they could overlook small-sized drones.
High Power Microwave devices have the ability to cause interference with other electronic devices, including drones. The radio links that control a drone's movements can be disrupted by the HPM's electromagnetic waves. In some cases, the HPM's high voltage and currents can even lead to the destruction of the drone. This can be useful in situations where a suspicious drone needs to be neutralized to prevent potential harm.
Advantages: Efficient in halting drones that fall within the HPM radius.
Despite its ability to safeguard military bases and highly secure areas, this technology poses a potential threat to other electronic devices, inadvertently causing their destruction. Moreover, HPM has the capability to interfere with communication signals.
Due to the utilization of this advanced technology, a signal is transmitted to the identified suspicious drone, effectively deceiving it regarding its actual location. By constantly updating the GPS coordinates, the spoofer gains control over the drone, allowing for its relocation to a designated "safe zone." Consequently, the potential risks associated with the drone's presence are significantly minimized.
Advantages: GPS spoofers are highly cost-effective technologies, enabling armies to acquire them in larger quantities and deploy them in diverse locations.
Drawback: Regrettably, there is a potential for interfering with other radio communication signals.
The system operator's threat analysis suggests that electronic measures, specifically soft-kill techniques like frequency drone jamming, can effectively counter the UAV threat.
The gps jamming involves the focused transmission of RF power towards the specific frequency channels utilized by the Drone for telemetric, control, and navigation purposes. The actual range of the jamming signal, which relies on factors such as line of sight and power output, can extend up to approximately 5Km or even further distances when employing high power output (>50W).
Deliveries of banned materials to prison inmates via drone are becoming increasingly ambitious and bold around the world, but an aerial smuggling ring busted by police in western France stands out for its quasi-startup organization and efficiency.
This summer, four gang members were arrested after Nantes police launched an investigation into the movement of contraband phones and drugs found during cell phone blocker searches. What they discovered was not only a well-organized and frequently used system for delivering prey using a DJI Mini, but also a Snapchat-based method of acknowledging commands from within Clink.
Police became aware of the plan when guards first spotted a drone jammer hovering outside the window of a prison in Nantes. The next morning, authorities discovered 36 smartphones and 1.6 kilograms of drugs hidden by inmates. A month later, staff at another regional correctional facility spotted a drone making similar nighttime deliveries — an activity that was repeated at two other regional prisons around the same time.
Drone deliveries were often made to all four prisons on the same night, prompting local military police to cautiously begin investigations. They gradually discovered an operation (albeit illegal) that could teach the beleaguered Amazon Prime Air a lot.
Inmates monitoring contraband sales in their respective prisons placed orders with an outside partner, who in turn contacted four Air Colis organizers. The weight of each drone's payload (whether drugs, iPhones or tobacco) is limited to 500 grams, and transport costs a flat rate of 400 euros ($422). The contraband flown in was exchanged at a not-so-remote clandestine meeting point (a McDonald's parking lot in Nantes), where it was weighed and photographed so that the prisoners could confirm that the content on the Snapchat was what they intended. What’s needed – a crime hedge against unsatisfied customers returning goods.
Nantes police, who busted the aerial quartet, said the drone-dropped shipments would be delivered directly to recipients waiting at the prison windows, and light jamming signal would be used to guide the ships to their location. The flights were flown in the middle of the night to four different prisons in western France, with each mission divided into five to ten missions, meaning multiple missions to the same prison were sometimes carried out in quick succession.
It is estimated that Air Colis made at least 50 shipments before police tracked down the gang in late September and revealed details of the operation.
The raid, which halted an illegal prison airlift, uncovered nine DJI Minis (including at least one original Mavic, according to police photos), several spare batteries, 500 grams of cocaine, a kilogram of marijuana and 900 euros ($950). Cash and thermal binoculars control the drone to identify the correct unit window at night.
"It's like an Uber delivering directly to the window," Nantes prosecutor Renaud Gaudeul said when announcing the arrest. "This is definitely not a trivial operation. As far as I know, France has never Things like this happen ... and it's good for criminals to see investigators doing their best as well."
If things continue this way, French police will need to further refine their counter-drone efforts. This summer alone, Air Colis is estimated to have transported more than 50 drones, bringing the number of confirmed drones entering French prisons in 2022 to 68, according to corrections officials. The number was more than 37 the year before. At this rate, the occupants of the car will be discovered the next time police conduct a search using a special app.
Drone signals can be jammed by using jamming signals to disrupt communications between the drone pilot and the drone. If you want to know more about whether you can jam a drone signal, read my complete guide - click here to go to the article.
Jammers work by emitting a much stronger signal than a remote control. They may interfere with radio signals and flight data as well as any video connections. The purpose of interference is to distort the signal to the point where the receiver simply cannot recognize it or to cause system failure. This is one way to legally stop drones and hijack communications.
Unless the government gives you permission, you're unlikely to buy a particularly large drone jammer.
There are a number of laws and regulations that may overlap with drone jamming technology, as well as a number of communications laws that govern the disruption of public communications frequencies:
"No person shall intentionally or maliciously interfere with or disrupt radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this chapter or operated by the United States Government."
The code means that personnel operating jammers must be licensed and authorized by the federal government.
If a drone jammer is used on a drone, there is a risk that the drone will fall from the sky, causing property damage and personal injury. This level of disruption could lead to the possibility of people suing you based on the damage caused by using a drone jammer.
You can jam drone signals by purchasing a drone remote control and using a signal booster to confuse any nearby drones. However, this may not work unless the drone is closer to you than the pilot.