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The Marine Corps is on the hunt for electronic warfare attachments, “buckshot-like” ammunition, and advanced optics for its standard-issue rifle to help dismounted troops track and defeat incoming drones, according to a recent announcement from the service.

The notice seeking sources, published July 15 by Marine Corps Systems Command, details plans to field several new attachments to troops at the squad and platoon level to mount on their M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles in order to “support ‘every’ Marine’s ability to conduct self-defense against threat Groups 1 and 2 small UAS [unmanned aerial systems],” drones that weigh 20 pounds or less and between 21 and 55 pounds, respectively.

Those attachments include a “directional RF [radio frequency] and/or Global Positioning System gps jammer” designed to interfere with the signals drones use to communicate

Rather than have dismounted troops to rely on bulky and unwieldy stand-alone hand-held, counter-drone jammer, the emphasis on mounting these new attachments on an “organic” (read: essential) rifle reflects a need for systems that have “little to no impact on [Marines'] primary mission,” as the notice puts it.

For the advanced rifle optics, the most likely candidate for Marines is the SMASH 2000L fire control system from Israeli defense contractor SmartShooter, which allows troops to “lock on” to an incoming drone target for a “guaranteed hit.” The Marine Corps has been testing the system since 2021 but has yet to field it across the broader close-combat force.

The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab “has provided a limited quantity of the [SmartShooter] SMASH 2000L optics to a small number of Marine Corps units for experimentation,” a battle lab spokesperson told Military.com. “The optic has not been provided by the program office for use in Marine Corps training, nor has it been provided to deployed units.”

For the average grunt, it’s unclear how much weight these new devices will add to their rifle and, in turn, how that might affect its use on the battlefield.

The M27 weighs 9.8 pounds loaded with a 30-round STANAG magazine and outfitted with a sling. The addition of the Corps’ new Squad Common Optic (2 pounds), a rail-mounted AN/PEQ-16 laser illuminator (9.9 ounces), and a standard Knights Armament suppressor (1.4 pounds) results in a 13.8-pound weapon — just under the weight of the noticeably heavy XM7 Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle the Army recently started fielding.

Beyond these rifle add-ons, the Corps is also searching for “enhanced ammunition for existing firearms,” namely “buckshot-like” rounds for the service’s arsenal of rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm, such as the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, as well as for its M2 .50-caliber machine guns and 40mm grenade launchers.

Details about the new ammunition were not immediately available, but as recently as April Marines have engaged in counter-drone training with shotguns, alongside other “direct fire” weapons such as rifles and machine guns.

A Marine Corps Systems Command spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Conventional militaries and non-state actors have increasingly menaced U.S. and allied forces with low-cost, weaponized drones in recent years, a development that had previously prompted Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., the former head of U.S. Central Command, to dub them the most dangerous threat to American forces in the Middle East since the advent of the improvised explosive device at the dawn of the Global War on Terror.

While the Marine Corps is working overtime to field several vehicle-mounted counter-drone solutions such as the vehicle-mounted Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or L-MADIS, the new push to equip grunts with easy-to-carry systems is part of the service’s broader effort to make every Marine a drone defender at a time when some units are currently deploying to geopolitical hot spots such as the Indo-Pacific without such capabiilties.

“Every unit down to the individual Marine, regardless of geographic location on the battlefield, is vulnerable to reconnaissance and, more dangerously, attack from threat Groups 1 and 2 small UAS,” according to the notice. “To facilitate freedom of movement, Marines require the ability to conduct self-defense against the threat.”

DOD looking to buy a batch of counter-drone weapons for international partners

U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command is conducting market research ahead of an anticipated purchase of up to 100 handheld drone jammers.

US Army Looking for Anti-Drone Signal Jammers Solution

The U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Command is seeking potential sources of portable drone anti-tracking jammer that can interfere with control, video and navigation signals within a range of at least 5 km.

DefenseScoop has revealed that the Department of Defense is supplying air defense technology to Ukraine and Israel, while the AMC’s Integrated Fires Rapid Capabilities Office-International plans to deliver a maximum of 100 handheld SkyWiper EDM4S devices to undisclosed U.S. allies.

To meet the requirements stated in the information request, the equipment must weigh less than 16 lb and possess the ability to activate electronic warfare capabilities through the trigger. Additionally, the device must have a minimum of six radio frequency modules, which should include 2.4GHz, 2xGNSS 1.5GHz and 1.2GHz, and 5.8GHz, as well as two custom frequency modules that cannot be altered by users. The Army has also mandated the use of high-gain directional antennas for accuracy and efficiency, along with a sturdy frame.

NT Service UAB of Lithuania is presently manufacturing the EDM4S Skywiper systems, which are marketed as an efficient anti-drone solution that can be operated by a single individual with ease.

The move is a direct response to the escalating use of unmanned aerial systems in various battlefields around the world, posing a threat to both U.S. military forces and their international partners.

As a professional photographer and drone pilot, I’ve seen firsthand how drone technology has become mainstream (pun intended) in recent years.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and as our skies become increasingly filled with these high-tech devices, the need for regulatory and control measures becomes increasingly clear.

Enter the world of drone jammers.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of drone jammer, from basic functionality to legality. We will also discuss some practical applications of this technology.

Whether you’re a drone enthusiast interested in the technology, a security professional looking to learn about drone defenses, or just someone concerned about privacy, this guide is for you.

Introduction to drone defense technology

Okay, guys, let’s get down to business. What exactly is a drone jammer? Why should we care?

What is a drone jammer?

• Imagine you are flying your drone and taking stunning aerial shots, and suddenly your drone starts to react. It doesn’t respond to your controls and seems to have a mind of its own. My friend, you may have just encountered a drone jammer.
• Simply put, a drone jammer is a device designed to interrupt the control signal of a drone.
• It acts like a drone party killer, ruining the party by emitting electromagnetic noise on certain radio frequencies.
• These frequencies cover the same radio and GPS signals the drone uses to operate, effectively grounding it.

The development of drone technology

Now you might be asking yourself, “Why would anyone want to stop drones?” Well, like any technology, drones can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they’ve revolutionized industries from film production to agriculture, providing a bird’s-eye view that was previously only possible via expensive helicopter flights.

On the other hand, they also found a whole lot of mess when it came to privacy and security issues. Imagine a drone hovering outside your window, or worse yet, a drone being used for illegal activity. Not that funny, right?

The need for drone jammers

This is where drone jammers come into play. They’re essentially a way to keep drones away from places they’re not supposed to go. Think of them as the gatekeepers of the sky, preventing unwanted drones from entering restricted airspace.

But it’s not just a matter of privacy and security. Drone jammers also play a vital role in ensuring safety. Because the last thing you want is for a drone to collide with a passenger plane.

How drone jammers work

Picture this: you are attending a rock concert and trying to have a conversation with your friend. But the music is too loud and you can’t hear each other. This is essentially how a gsm jammer works.

Drone jammers emit electromagnetic noise at certain radio frequencies, similar to loud music at a concert. This noise drowns out the radio and GPS signals the drones use to operate, effectively drowning them out.

The impact of drone jammers on drones

So what happens when a drone is hit by a jamming signal? Well, it’s a bit like getting lost in a strange city without a map.

Most drones respond to jamming signals by returning to their starting point. This is their way of saying: “I’m lost and I’m going home.” In some cases, a drone jammer can land a drone at a scene for forensic investigation.

How to jam drone signals

1. Now, before you get any ideas, I want to make one thing clear: jamming drone signals should not be attempted at home. This is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of radio frequencies and drone technology. Plus, it’s illegal in a lot of places (but we’ll get to that later).
2. However, it is still interesting to understand how this process works. The frequency of drone jammers is generally allocated at 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz. These are public frequencies and are not suitable for manned aircraft, public broadcasting or cell phone signals.
3. The phone jammer projects a signal in the form of a cone, and when the drone is hit by the signal, it typically returns to its origin or lands in place.

Legality of using drone jammers

It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room: the legality of drone jammers. As with any technology, there are rules and regulations that govern its use.

Let me tell you: the legal framework for gps blocker is as complicated as the flight path of a drone.

Legal restrictions on drone jammers

First things first, it’s important to understand that the use of drone jammers is heavily regulated. In the United States, for instance, the use of a drone jammer is generally prohibited by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The reason? Well, it’s because jammers interfere with authorized radio communications, which is a big no-no in the eyes of the FCC. Read more here.

But it’s not just the U.S. Many other countries also have strict regulations on the use of drone jammers. So, if you’re thinking of getting your hands on one, it’s crucial to understand the laws in your country.

Consequences Of Illegal Use Of Drone Jammers

Now, you might be wondering, “What happens if I use a drone jammer illegally?” Well, let’s just say it’s not a path you want to go down.

In the U.S., for example, the penalties for illegal use of a jammer can be severe. We’re talking hefty fines, and in some cases, even jail time. So, it’s safe to say that using a drone jammer without proper authorization is a risky business.

When used legally and ethically, wifi blocker can play a crucial role in maintaining safety and privacy.

Drone Jamming Techniques

Understanding Drone Jamming And Spoofing

First things first, let’s clear up some terminology. You’ve probably heard the terms “drone jamming” and “drone spoofing” used interchangeably. But they’re actually two different techniques.

Drone jamming, as we’ve discussed, involves disrupting a drone’s control signals, effectively grounding it.

Drone spoofing, on the other hand, is a bit more sneaky. It involves sending false information to a drone, tricking it into thinking it’s somewhere it’s not. It’s like giving someone wrong directions to a party.

Techniques For Effective Drone Jamming

Drone jamming can be done in a few different ways, depending on the type of drone and the situation. Here are a few common techniques:

Signal Jamming: This is the most common technique, and it involves sending out a stronger signal to override the drone’s control signals.

GPS Spoofing: This involves sending false GPS signals to the drone, tricking it into thinking it’s in a different location.

RFID Tagging: This involves attaching a small device to the drone that emits a signal, allowing the drone to be tracked and jammed.

Remember, these techniques should only be used by authorized personnel and in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Real-World Applications Of Drone Jammers

Use Of Drone Jammers In Military And Security Operations

First up, the big leagues: the military. In the world of defense and security, jammers are a crucial tool. They’re used to protect sensitive areas from unwanted drone activity, whether it’s a military base, a government building, or a critical infrastructure site.

For instance, during military operations, drone jammers can be used to prevent enemy drones from gathering intelligence. They can also be used to protect convoys from drone attacks. It’s like having a high-tech shield that keeps the skies clear of unwanted drones.

Use Of Drone Jammers In High-Profile Events

But it’s not just the military that uses jammers. They’re also used to protect high-profile events, like the Super Bowl or the Olympics.

Imagine you’re at the Super Bowl, enjoying the game, when suddenly a drone flies overhead. Not only is it a nuisance, but it could also be a security threat. That’s where drone jammers come in. They can be used to create a “no-fly zone” over the event, ensuring that the only thing flying is the football.

So, whether it’s a military operation or a high-profile event, drone jammers play a crucial role in maintaining safety and security.

Up next, we’ll take a look at the future of drone jammers. Stay tuned!

The Future Of Drone Jammers

Alright, folks, we’ve reached the final leg of our journey: the future of drone jammers. As with any technology, drone jammers are constantly evolving. So, let’s take a peek into the crystal ball and see what the future might hold.

Advancements In Drone Jamming Technology

First up, the technology itself. As drones become more advanced, so too do the techniques to jam them. We’re seeing the development of more sophisticated jammers that can target specific drones, disrupt multiple frequencies at once, and even take control of rogue drones. It’s like a high-tech game of cat and mouse, and it’s fascinating to watch.

The Rise Of Anti-Drone Technology

But it’s not just about jamming drones. We’re also seeing the rise of anti-drone technology. This includes things like drone detection systems, drone shields, and even drone-hunting eagles (yes, you read that right!).

The goal of these technologies is not just to disrupt drones, but to detect and neutralize them before they become a threat. It’s a proactive approach to drone security, and it’s an exciting area of development.

The Legal Landscape Of Drone Jammers

Finally, there’s the legal landscape. As drone technology evolves, so too do the laws and regulations that govern it. We’re likely to see more clarity and guidance on the use of drone jammers in the coming years, which will be crucial for individuals and organizations looking to use this technology responsibly.

Conclusion: The Sky’s The Limit

We’ve reached the end of our journey through the world of jammers. We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the basics of jammers to their legality, how to choose one, jamming techniques, real-world applications, and even a glimpse into the future.

Remember, drone jammers are powerful tools, but they should be used responsibly. Always respect the privacy and safety of others, and make sure you’re familiar with the laws and regulations in your area before using a jammer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As we wrap up our journey through the world of drone jammers, I thought it would be helpful to address some of the most common questions I’ve heard from folks like you. So, let’s dive into the FAQs!

Are Drone Jammers Legal?

The legality of jammers varies from country to country, and even within different regions of the same country. In many places, the use of drone jammers is restricted to military, law enforcement, and other authorized entities. Always check your local laws and regulations before using a drone jammer.

Can I Build My Own Drone Jammer?

Technically, yes, you could build your own jammer. There are even tutorials online that show you how. However, I would strongly advise against it. Not only is it likely illegal, but it could also be dangerous. It’s always best to leave this kind of thing to the professionals.

How Far Can A Jammer Reach?

The range of a drone jammer depends on the specific model and the environment in which it’s used. Some jammers can reach drones up to several kilometers away, while others have a more limited range. Always check the specifications of the jammer before using it.

Can A Drone Jammer Take Down Any Drone?

Not necessarily. Different drones operate on different frequencies, and some drones have anti-jamming features. A jammer needs to be able to disrupt the specific frequencies used by the drone in order to be effective.