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Advexure, a U.S.-based provider of drone systems and technology solutions, …
23. December 2024
In the shadows of war, a silent battle rages on above the bar at a small brewpub in Užupis, Lithuania. A portrait of a Madonna-like saint hangs, cradling an unusual fusion of technology and warfare - a 5G antenna and rifle combo.
Lithuania’s portable electronic-warfare weapon, EDM4S, or Electronic Drone Mitigation 4 System, disrupts communication between a hovering UAV and its operator with a mere trigger pull. The system causes the drone to lose contact with its pilot and plummet to the ground. Over the past two years, hundreds of these systems have been donated to Ukraine, playing a significant role in an underappreciated battle for control of the electromagnetic spectrum.
As Russia advances across eastern Ukraine, this fight has become increasingly crucial. The arms race between Ukraine’s allies and Russia is fueled by innovations aimed at spoofing, jamming, and disrupting enemy communications, particularly drones. This is electronic warfare - a centuries-old tactic that has evolved significantly since its inception.
World War II marked the turning point in EW’s development. British scientists discovered that the Germans were using radio waves to aid navigation during nighttime raids on British skies. By emitting narrow bands of radio signals over British airspace, German operators could locate targets. In response, British engineers developed early electronic warfare capabilities. The Battle of Britain saw both sides employ EW tactics, but it wasn’t until then that the full potential of this technology became apparent.
Today, Ukraine is at the forefront of EW innovations, with Kyiv prioritizing gaining control of the electromagnetic spectrum in 2023. With Russia’s advances across eastern Ukraine, Ukraine’s need to dominate the skies has grown more pressing. EDM4S systems are just one piece of a larger puzzle - a battle that will shape the course of this war and beyond.
As this conflict unfolds, Ukraine’s contributions to EW will leave an indelible mark on modern warfare. The use of portable electronic-warfare weapons like EDM4S marks a significant shift in the nature of modern conflict.