Geopolitics · VIDEO
Russia Strengthens Drones with Jamming-Resistant Antennas: The Challenge for Ukraine
Russia is equipping its drones with larger and jamming-resistant antennas, making it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to neutralize navigation signals. This technological development poses a significant challenge for Ukraine, forcing it to develop new defense strategies.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Russia uses Kometa navigation modules with antenna arrays to resist jamming.
- 16 and 20 element antennas improve the ability to compensate for jamming.
- Ukraine is exploring solutions such as multi-band jamming and spoofing to counter the new antennas.
- Large-scale production of Kometa modules indicates a strong demand for advanced navigation technologies.
Transcript
Russia is upgrading its drones with larger, jamming-resistant antennas, complicating Ukraine's efforts to disrupt enemy navigation signals. The new Kometa navigation modules, produced by VNIIR-Progress, use patch antennas to maintain satellite navigation despite interference. These modules have been identified on various weapon systems, including Geran drones, Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles, and the new Filin cruise missile.
The Kometa modules are evolving, with 16-element arrays currently deployed and 20-element arrays in production. These improvements help Russian systems identify and compensate for interference. Drones equipped with 32-element antennas have been spotted attacking Kiev.
The technological race presents challenges for Ukraine, as it's easier for Russia to enhance antenna elements than for Ukraine to expand electronic warfare sites. This forces Ukraine to use more expensive defensive options like interceptor drones, jets, and missiles.
Ukrainian forces are developing counterstrategies, such as jamming multiple satellite bands or feeding drones false coordinates. The commander of the Night Watch unit, Alkhimik, found a solution to jam the 32-element antennas by creating two systems covering different satellite navigation bands.
Spoofing techniques have proven effective, with Fly Group Ukraine connecting multiple devices to deceive drones and guide them away from cities. Russian defense companies have ordered over 100,000 Kometa modules this year, highlighting the growing demand for advanced, jamming-resistant navigation technologies.
The conflict is accelerating technological innovation in electronic warfare, with implications extending beyond the Ukrainian conflict. The need for robust digital operational resilience and secure critical infrastructures is becoming increasingly crucial.
