EW is not a magic shield
“Trenched” EW is designed to create interference between the drone and its operator, disrupting their communication. Thanks to this, the military has a chance to avoid an attack. The device works at specific frequencies — if the EW is able to cover the necessary ranges, enemy FPV drones simply will not approach the positions. The wider the coverage spectrum, the more effective the protection.
At the same time, when fighters receive EW, their vigilance sometimes decreases. And this is dangerous, because it is worth remembering several important limitations:
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the device is not designed for continuous operation – due to the risk of overheating, its modules may fail;
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active electronic warfare is easier to detect by the enemy, which increases the risk of damage;
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when powered by portable batteries, the charge discharges much faster, so the operating time is significantly reduced.
Electronic warfare is not a universal tool, but only one part of the defense system, along with a helmet or body armor. It resists drones, but it also has its weaknesses.
Different types of EW devices have different effectiveness depending on their design. For example, dome models have weaker radiation directly above them, while directional devices can be tried to bypass the side or fly above the jamming zone by the enemy. According to the military, experienced FPV drone pilots are able to “bypass” the protection in a few attempts.
How is this possible? The main tactic is frequency selection. One scheme is to simultaneously launch drones with different frequencies to find out which ones “break through”. And there are also modern UAV models that can switch frequencies during flight, avoiding jamming. In response, the EW power is increased, which allows you to cover a wider spectrum.
However, high power is a double-edged sword. Yes, it increases the chances of effective jamming, but at the same time it makes the device more noticeable to the enemy. Powerful EW devices in open terrain are easily identified as an important target, which increases the risk of shelling. The solution? Place more devices along the front to distract the enemy and reduce the value of each individual position.
Radio-electronic intelligence and electronic warfare: how they work together
In large units there are specialists in electronic intelligence who are able to intercept signals, detect frequencies, determine trajectories and sources of threats. They provide data on which frequencies a particular electronic warfare system should operate in a certain area. But what to do if there are no such specialists in the unit?
Spectrum analyzers come to the rescue – compact devices that allow you to visually identify active frequencies on the air. The most popular among the military are:
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“Sugar”
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“Vanilla Sugar” (its improved version)
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“Tiny SA”
These devices record active radio signals and display them on a spectrogram.
The ideal practice is as follows: before launching the electronic warfare system, the analyzer determines at which frequencies the enemy drones operate, and then selectively activates jamming only on these bands. This increases efficiency and reduces “noise” for one’s own communications.
It is also important to consider the work of adjacent units. For example, our electronic warfare system, turned on in the wrong place, can interfere with the work of our UAV operators and, without coordinated communication, will start to “land” our drones.
How to make sure that electronic warfare is working properly
Electronic warfare equipment, like any other complex piece of equipment, must be checked regularly. Ideally, before and after each use. One of the easiest ways is to use a spectrum analyzer. If the device records the frequencies at which the electronic warfare equipment should operate, then everything is functioning correctly.
However, it is important to follow safety rules:
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Do not bring the analyzer too close to the antenna to avoid damaging the device.
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Avoid signal reflections – there should be no metal shields or other surfaces nearby that could direct the radiation in an unexpected direction and damage nearby equipment.
In general, following these simple rules will help not only maintain the equipment’s performance, but also avoid unwanted breakdowns during combat use.
How to properly care for electronic warfare devices
Under favorable circumstances, there should be specialists in the combat unit who are responsible for servicing electronic warfare equipment. However, even without them, every soldier working with electronic warfare can perform basic technical actions. First of all, it is worth remembering that this is a highly sensitive device that is damaged by overheating, moisture and mechanical impurities. In some models, the electronics are well protected inside the case, but there are devices with ventilation grilles through which dust or water droplets easily get in. That is why the device should be cleaned after each work session.
Next, you should pay attention to the power source. If the electronic warfare device is powered by a battery, especially a car type, its capacity gradually decreases. A regular voltmeter will help you check the battery status – this is enough to assess whether the device is ready for the next turn-on. At the same time, care for the equipment is not limited to the time after use – you should also treat it carefully during active work. For example, if the EW is installed on a car, it is important to take into account the terrain. In the forest or bushes, it depends on the driver’s skills whether the antennas will remain intact.
To prevent such damage, manufacturers already offer a number of solutions. Among them are shock-resistant housings and special radio-transparent protective domes that are installed on armored vehicles. Sometimes the modules of the device itself are mounted inside the car, leaving only the antennas outside. And in field conditions, the military also finds non-standard methods of protection. For example, EW housings are placed in ordinary food containers, in which holes are cut for the antennas. If the device is large, it is sometimes buried in the ground, leaving a hole for ventilation to protect the modules from debris and environmental influences.
Conclusion
Therefore, EW means are an effective tool for protection against drones, but only if they are used correctly, regularly maintained, and placed correctly. They are not a panacea, but with a responsible attitude, they can significantly reduce risks on the front line and save the lives of personnel.
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