Non-kinetic counter-UAV measures function by interrupting or intercepting communication signals. These techniques often result in the drone falling rapidly, which is not advisable in crowded areas. Nonetheless, they can be effective in other environments. It is essential to be aware of the legal restrictions in your country regarding drone countermeasures, as drone jammers and spoofers are illegal in the United States. Let us examine some different non-kinetic C-UAS methods.
Jammers operate by producing electromagnetic noise on the radio frequencies that drones utilize for their operational and communicative purposes. This noise effectively interferes with the communication between the drone and its operator. The frequencies generally involved are 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, which are public frequencies that are not specifically assigned. This design prevents the jammers from causing interference with manned aircraft, cellular networks, public broadcasting, or other designated radio bands.
Jammers can be either stationary devices that are mounted or integrated into highly mobile, gun-like systems, enabling the safe retrieval of drones from the air.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has indicated that drone jammers are not authorized for use in the United States.
Employing a 'cell phone jammer' or any related device to intentionally obstruct, disrupt, or interfere with authorized radio communications is a violation of federal law. These devices, which encompass signal blockers, GPS jammers, and text blockers, pose a serious threat to essential public safety communications, potentially preventing individuals from making 9-1-1 and other emergency calls. Furthermore, jammers can disrupt communications vital to law enforcement activities.
Utilizing a jammer in the United States can result in severe financial penalties, the seizure of illicit equipment, and criminal sanctions, including the possibility of imprisonment.
Applicable Law
Communications Act of 1934
A drone jammer (also known as a drone jammer gun) is a device used to bring drones to the ground.
It works by interfering with the radio signals that control drones, grounding drones by blocking their communication systems.
But with the increase in the number of drones in the air, there is now a big challenge - how to keep drones away from no-fly zones?
The FAA has been working hard to ensure that drone pilots and the general public adapt to the evolutionary stage we are currently experiencing.
However, despite the best efforts, the process of drones entering commercial airspace has not been smooth sailing, and drone incidents seem to be happening more and more frequently at sporting events, airports and other places.
Drone jammers work by sending electromagnetic noise at radio frequencies, with the goal of covering the same radio and GPS signals that drones use when operating.
The frequencies of drone wifi jammers are usually specified as 2.4Ghz or 5.8Ghz, which are public frequencies not allocated to manned aircraft, public broadcasts or mobile phone signals.
When a drone is jammed with a jammer signal, the most common reaction is for the drone to return to its point of origin (unless the GPS is also jammed), which gives the jammer operator the option to track the drone and find the pilot. In some cases, a drone jammer may cause the drone to land on the scene so that an investigation can be conducted.
Types of Drone JammersDrone jammers come in many forms, each designed to meet specific needs and environments. Understanding the different types of drone jammers is essential to choosing the right jammer for your security needs.
Portable JammersFeatures. Portable drone jammers are compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for personal use or rapid deployment in the field. They typically have limited range, but are sufficient to jam a drone's communications at close range.
Availability. These jammers are easy to use and usually operate with the push of a button. They are favored by security personnel and individuals who need a quick solution to prevent drone intrusion during events or in sensitive areas.
Fixed JammersFeatures. Fixed jammers are more rugged, have higher output power, and can cover larger areas. They are permanently installed in key locations such as government buildings, airports, and prisons.
Effectiveness. Fixed jammers provide a persistent and reliable barrier against drone intrusions due to their fixed location and enhanced capabilities. They can jam multiple frequencies simultaneously, ensuring broader protection.
Tactical JammersFeatures. Designed for military and law enforcement use, tactical jammers are rugged and built to withstand a variety of environments. They often have advanced targeting capabilities to selectively jam specific drones without affecting other communications.
Used in Military and Law Enforcement. Tactical jammers play a vital role in national defense strategy, protecting troops from drone surveillance or attack. They are also used in critical operations to ensure drones do not compromise mission security.
In the near future, aircraft and missiles penetrating enemy territory may utilize drone jammers that precede them, designed to confuse and obstruct air defense mechanisms, should a new British-manufactured jammer be successfully launched.
In comparison to conventional standoff signal jammers, which are situated on sizable aircraft to avoid danger while disrupting enemy radar from a distance, Leonardo is unveiling a novel "standoff" jammer that is sufficiently small for drone mounting and economically viable for prompt utilization.
Leonardo drone on display at the 2023 Paris Air Show
According to company officials, the BriteStorm satellite, which Leonardo is presenting at the American Astronautical Society convention in Washington, weighs around 2.5 kilograms. This weight includes the transmit and receive modules along with the antennas, and the satellite's dimensions are similar to those of six Coke cans.
According to Michael Lea, vice president of electronic warfare sales at Leonardo UK, it can serve as the leading element for any force that ventures into enemy territory.
According to Lea, the kit is crafted to be economical and meant for one-time use, suitable for installation on sizable quadcopters or winged drones that are utilized in battlefield scenarios.
If the British-manufactured jammer becomes successful, it is anticipated that aircraft and missiles penetrating enemy airspace will rely on preceding drone jammers to confuse and obstruct air defense mechanisms.
In comparison to standoff jammers that are situated on large aircraft to avoid danger while targeting enemy radars from a distance, Leonardo is presenting a novel "stand-in" jammer. This device is designed to be small enough for drone installation and is economically viable, ensuring it can be quickly deployed.
According to company officials, the BriteStorm satellite, which Leonardo showcased at the American Astronautical Society convention in Washington, weighs around 2.5 kilograms. This weight includes the transmit and receive modules along with the antennas, and its size is equivalent to that of six Coke cans.
According to Michael Lea, vice president of electronic warfare sales at Leonardo UK, it can serve as a leading element for any force that enters hostile territory.
According to Lea, the kit is crafted to be affordable and single-use, meant for integration with larger quadcopters or winged drones that are utilized in battlefield operations.
He remarked that the asset is priced to be viewed as expendable, ensuring that if it is downed, it will not lead to substantial economic detriment or critical strategic complications.
When an enemy radar signal is received, the system utilizes Leonardo’s Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology to capture the signal digitally and process it. The response involves jamming the radar with electronic noise or spoofing it, potentially creating numerous “ghost” fighter signatures.
Leonardo employs the same DRFM technology in its BriteCloud, which is an expendable countermeasure designed to be deployed from an aircraft to disrupt the radar guidance systems of incoming missiles.
BriteStorm utilizes as many as three transmit-receive modules, which span the low, mid, and high frequency ranges.
After its development at Leonardo's facility in Luton, UK, the system has been delivered to the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office.
According to Leonardo, BriteStorm represents a significant improvement compared to Raytheon’s MALD (Micro Air-Launched Decoy), an air-launched expendable jammer missile that has allegedly been deployed in Ukraine.
According to Lea, it demonstrates superior performance compared to standoff jammers. "While standoff jammers are stationed at a predictable altitude, standoff jammers approach the threat more closely, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and a greater range of axes to confuse and suppress the threat."
According to Andrew Perpetua, an OSINT (open source intelligence) analyst who is independently sorting out equipment losses caused by the escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian war, data confirmed on the 18th showed that about 110 pieces of Russian military equipment losses (destroyed, damaged, etc. abandoned, captured) were found. The number of casualties of the Ukrainian army was limited to about 25.
Perpetua commented that whether this was the highest number of Russian military equipment losses recorded in a single day, "I don't quite remember, but it's close." This is probably close to the largest gap in the number of losses between the two sides in history. For each damage, Perpetua also lists the weapon that caused the damage (if known).
It is reported that the self-destructive FPV (first-person view) drone destroyed the most Russian military equipment so far that day. The Ukrainian military's FPV drones, which cost about $500 and are deployed about 100,000 per month, damaged about 80 pieces of Russian military equipment. The Russian military seems unable to stop the attacks of Ukrainian military drones.
A recent exposé by a Russian military blogger shows why. Russian industry has produced a variety of signal jammer that can block communications between drones and their pilots, but many of them don’t seem to work. The blogger angrily charged that $2,400 jammers being marketed on popular Telegram channels were not only useless, but harmful.
The jammers gave frontline troops a false sense of credibility, leading to their deaths. “It’s shocking to imagine how many soldiers have died because of false hope,” the blogger wrote. The multi-frequency jammer the blogger dissected is not the first anti-drone jammer used by the Russian military on the front lines of the current two-and-a-half-year war, but it has proven ineffective. In early April, a Ukrainian brigade conducted a daring three-night operation to capture an abandoned Russian tank equipped with a new type of jammer. It seems that this jammer didn’t do much either.
A drone crashed near a Pennsylvania substation in July 2020, most likely with the goal of destroying the substation’s electronics. The drone was a modified multi-rotor aircraft manufactured by China's DJI Innovations.
Fortunately, the attack did not disrupt power supply or damage substation equipment, but it was the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that investigated the incident. The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) concluded that this was "the first case of a modified drone attack on energy infrastructure in the United States."
Such attacks will continue to occur somewhere in the world. This is because relatively cheap commercial drones can be used to attack critical infrastructure.
The European Football Championship is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, attracting millions of fans and widespread attention from the media and stakeholders. With the stakes high, the integrity of the tournament is of paramount importance. One of the tools used to ensure this integrity is the deployment of cell phone jammers. These devices are essential to preventing players from manipulating matches, a significant issue in professional sports.
Match-fixing refers to the manipulation of the results of sporting events for financial gain, often orchestrated by gamblers and criminal organizations. This illegal activity undermines the integrity of the sport, reduces fan trust, and can have serious legal and financial consequences. Players, referees, and other officials may be contacted and coerced into participating in match-fixing schemes through a variety of means, including cell phones.
Cell phone jammers interfere with communications by sending signals on the same frequency as mobile phones, creating a "noise" that clogs communication channels. These devices can be used to block phone calls, text messages, and data transmissions within a specific area. By blocking mobile communications, signal blocker can thwart attempts to influence or coerce players and officials at critical moments, such as before or during a match.
Mobile phone jammers were implemented as a strategic measure to preserve the integrity of the competition during the European Championship.
Here are their typical uses:
The use of mobile phone jammers during the European Championship is an important measure in the fight against match-fixing. By blocking unauthorised communications, these devices help ensure matches are played fairly, upholding the integrity of the sport and protecting its reputation.