Russia's New Electronic Warfare Anti-Drone Systems Fortify the Security Line for Urban Activities
Russia is stepping up the development and improvement of a variety of anti-drone equipment to cope with the increasingly severe threat of drones.
“Amulet” System
Development Background: Developed by Russia's unmanned systems and technology center at the request of soldiers in the special military operation zone.
Functional Features: It can interfere with the video communication signals of enemy drones and is an improved version of the portable “Mirror” device, specifically designed for special forces soldiers. The “Mirror” is both an electronic warfare system and a radio reconnaissance system, capable of detecting and automatically suppressing enemy video signals.
“Cover” Electronic Warfare Tools
Research and Development Unit: “Kilowatt” Scientific and Production Association.
Types and Functions:
Mobile Version: Installed on vehicles and armored vehicles, it can form an interference dome within a range of 50 to 200 meters, suppressing the standard frequencies and most non-standard frequencies for drone control.
Portable Version: Designed as a backpack style, it is used to protect personnel from attacks by “First Person View” (FPV) drones and drones carrying thrown ammunition, powered by built-in batteries, with shockproof and weatherproof casings, and can be carried in a backpack.
Other Electronic Warfare Tools and Systems
“Flounder” Portable System: Developed by SKY-X, it has proven effective in the special military operation zone, enabling drones to “force land or return to the starting point”, with a compact design that can fit into a tactical backpack.
“Sphere” Drone Detection and Suppression System: On January 17, 2025, according to a report by vpk, the system has been successfully tested in large urban activities and has proven its effectiveness in free zones. Based on the Sphere system, it can cover an area of several square kilometers, and equipment installed on vehicles has shot down more than 10 enemy combat drones on the line of contact. The system can determine the control channels and video signals of drones, and then automatically or manually initiate electronic warfare, and can also configure the defense system according to specific targets and purposes.
Airspace Control System (ACS): A unique system that has begun operation in the Moscow area, not only can it detect airplanes or helicopters, but it can also detect extremely low-altitude micro drones and target air defense or electronic warfare systems. Its airborne radar is a network of radar stations with fixed phased array antennas, which can be installed in a variety of locations, and can detect “Baba Yaga” type drones as well as aircraft-type drones that attack industrial facilities, etc. Cessna-type aircraft can be detected within a distance of 30 kilometers, and long-range Boeing aircraft can be detected at a distance of more than 90 kilometers. The system can track up to 20 aircraft at the same time, including small drones, and determine their types, altitudes, and distances.
Advantages and Limitations of Electronic Warfare Tools
Advantages: The use of electronic warfare systems helps reduce the possibility of special forces being attacked by drones, can also disrupt the communication of the defending enemy, and protecting cities and infrastructure is safer than air defense missile systems. It is the safest to use in large-scale activities.
Limitations: For example, anti-drone guns do not always interfere with drones using non-standard control frequencies. Electronic warfare backpacks are not suitable for use while on the move, as ultra-high-frequency electromagnetic radiation can cause certain harm to the human body. Even if a drone is destroyed, its fragments may fall and cause damage.
Current Situation of Research and Development and Application
Civil Military-Industrial Complex and Defense Industry: The focus of work is to provide the latest anti-drone tools for the army, and electronic warfare systems have played a key role.
Infantry Electronic Warfare Tools: The most common are portable systems, such as anti-drone guns and tactical backpacks. Russia's currently produced portable electronic warfare tools can suppress signals of 6 to 8 frequencies.
Expert Opinions: Military experts believe that Russia has done a good job in the research and development of electronic warfare systems. Now, dozens of different complexes created by small teams are effectively protecting equipment in their areas. However, state-owned enterprises have more opportunities in terms of funds, experts, and equipment, and can quickly launch new development projects, while small companies find it more difficult in this regard.
