How electronic warfare works against drones
The wars of the 21st century have changed the way we think about combat operations. Today, it is not only soldiers and tanks that determine the success of operations, but also drones, radio-electronic systems, and digital technologies. In this new reality, radio-electronic warfare (REW) has become one of the key tools of defense. But how does ECE work against drones, and why is it considered an “invisible shield” on the battlefield?
What is ECE and why is it needed?
ECE is electronic warfare, i.e., a set of tools that use electromagnetic radiation to detect, suppress, or disorient enemy communications, navigation, and control systems.
Simply put, it is a technology that disrupts the operation of drones, jams signals, and protects its own troops from attacks in the air and on the ground.
An electronic warfare system usually consists of three main components:
- Radio-electronic reconnaissance (RER) analyzes frequencies, finds signal sources, and determines the coordinates and type of drone.
- Radio-electronic suppression (RES) — creates powerful interference that blocks communication between the operator and the drone.
- Protection against REB — special filters and protocols that prevent jamming of friendly systems.
How electronic warfare works against drones
Electronic warfare does not shoot bullets — it “hits with waves.”
The essence of the technology is to create a dense radio interference field that blocks drone control channels. The drone loses contact with the operator or navigation system and becomes uncontrollable.
Let's take a step-by-step look at how it works:
- Drone detection. The radio reconnaissance system scans the airwaves and detects the presence of a control or data transmission signal. Frequency and modulation analysis is used to determine the type of drone — reconnaissance, strike, or FPV drone.
- Frequency identification. Each drone operates in a specific range — 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 915 MHz, or others. The electronic warfare software automatically recognizes this frequency.
- Signal suppression. Powerful transmitters create interference on the same waves as the drone. As a result, the control or GPS navigation signal is distorted, and the drone loses its orientation.
- Neutralization of the threat. The drone can perform several scenarios:
- make an emergency landing;
- hover in the air;
- turn around and fly back;
- simply fall due to loss of control.
This depends on the model, software, and Return-to-Home algorithms.
How electronic warfare affects drones
When a drone enters an electronic warfare zone, its communication channels are disrupted. This can manifest itself in several ways:
- GPS/GLONASS jamming. The drone does not receive coordinates and cannot maintain its course.
- Suppression of the video transmission channel. The operator loses the image from the drone's camera.
- Blocking of control commands. The drone does not respond to the remote control and acts according to an emergency scenario.
- Impact on onboard electronics. In some cases, a strong electromagnetic field can even damage control components.
On the front lines, electronic warfare systems are installed in dugouts, on armored vehicles, or at defensive positions. They are often disguised as mobile towers, painted in camouflage, or even buried in the ground, leaving only the antennas exposed. Some models can be activated remotely, allowing jamming to be turned on even during artillery fire.
Today, electronic warfare is a constant competition between drone developers and electronic warfare specialists. As soon as new communication frequencies or artificial intelligence systems appear on board a drone, electronic warfare engineers look for ways to neutralize them. Because of this, the cycle of technology updates on the front lines can last only a few months.
At the same time, Ukrainian companies are demonstrating impressive development rates thanks to their flexibility, lack of excessive bureaucracy, and direct cooperation with military units.
