FPVdrones: A new battleground in Ukraine's conflict

FPV drones have become one of the symbols of the war in Ukraine. They are straightforward yet effective solutions if the opponent does not have appropriate defensive measures. They cause such terror that the Russians have even developed a personal jammer mounted on a helmet.

Both Ukrainians and, to a lesser extent, Russians are trying to use FPV drones extensively to attack not only vehicles but even individual soldiers. These simple constructions, similar to DJI Mavic drones, are stripped down to the bare essentials. The only components left are the frame, electric motors with rotors, a camera, and often an enlarged battery.

Then, an explosive charge is attached to the drone. This can include PG-7VL anti-tank grenades, bomblets taken from cluster munitions, or old hand grenades. Two pieces of wire are often used as a detonator, whose contact closes the electrical circuit, causing the explosion.

Defence against these drones includes systems that jam the control signal or means of physical destruction. In the first case, jammers are becoming increasingly popular, mounted on tanks and shaped like backpacks.

Now, the Russians have introduced an ultra-light jammer adapted for mounting weapons or helmets. Due to its size, its range is likely to be rather limited, and it is probably tuned to specific frequencies. Considering previous instances of Russian jammers, this model may also be based on modules from AliExpress costing over £200.

Depending on the chosen option, they offer jamming frequencies from 433 MHz to 5.8 GHz. Theoretically, they can be effective, but only until the opponent changes the control signal frequency, which has happened more than once. Then, such a jammer becomes an unnecessary weight.

There is also the issue of the electromagnetic field's harmful effects on the human body. In the case of such field jammers, there is no question of meeting safety limits imposed, for example, on transmitters or 5G base stations. The most crucial factor is achieving the most extensive possible range and power at any cost.

The second, more specific method of eliminating drones is their physical removal. Improvised solutions, such as shotguns from experienced shooters or special modules on weapons like SMASH from the Israeli company Smart Shooter, are attracting considerable interest and have shown notable effectiveness.