Handheld drone signal jammers are an emerging tool in modern military operations and have important tactical significance. In an exercise in Croatia, U.S. Army soldiers used a device called Dronebuster 3B, and the exercise demonstrated how to effectively deal with drone threats.
Under the overcast sky in Pula, Croatia, on April 21, 2023, various drones flew in the air like high-tech flying saucers. The emergence of these quadcopters has brought new challenges to soldiers, especially during the "Shield Exercise", which focuses on air defense and electronic warfare. Soldiers need to learn how to use specific tools to defeat these drones to ensure the smooth completion of the mission.
Features and advantages of Dronebuster 3B
During this exercise, soldiers used Dronebuster 3B manufactured by Flex Force. The device looks like a computer from the 1990s, and its pistol-style grip makes it stand out on the battlefield. According to Flex Force, Dronebuster Block 3 and 3B are designed to disrupt the operation of drones by interfering with their control frequencies. Advantages of Dronebuster 3B include:
| Frequency jamming capability | Dronebuster can effectively interfere with the control frequency of drones, forcing them to return to the operator or directly causing them to lose control. In addition, the device can also interfere with GPS/GNSS signals, causing drones to hover, land or crash, greatly enhancing the flexibility of countering drones. |
| Portability | The device is compact and lightweight, with the Block 3 weighing only 4.1 pounds, while the Block 3B is slightly larger but still easy to carry. This design allows soldiers to quickly deploy and operate in different terrains and combat environments. |
| Multiple configuration options | Dronebuster offers different models (such as Block 3 and Block 3B), supporting both line-of-sight operations (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight operations (BLOS) to adapt to more complex combat needs. |
| Rapid deployment and easy operation | As a handheld device, Dronebuster is suitable for fast-changing battlefield environments. Soldiers can counter drone threats without relying on large systems, which improves the reaction speed of the troops. |
| Wide application | The device can be used independently or integrated into a larger anti-drone system. It is suitable for a variety of military mission scenarios and greatly improves the operational flexibility of defending against drones. |
The evolution of drone jammers
Handheld drone signal jammers have emerged in recent years as drone technology has developed. Since the 2010s, military units have begun to realize that in the face of the increasingly severe drone threat, they must develop countermeasures. The emergence of Dronebuster and other anti drone jammers is to deal with the widespread use of these small drones in combat.
In 2016, West Point Military Academy foresaw the importance of drones in future wars and designed special exercises to train officer candidates to use UAV jammers. The equipment used by these candidates can jam specific types of drones to prepare for future battles.
Combat applications of drones
In modern warfare, drones are not only used for reconnaissance, but also for directing artillery fire and monitoring troop dynamics. In this context, soldiers will face great risks if they do not interfere. The traditional method of shooting drones with bullets is not always feasible because it would expose the soldiers' positions, especially at night. Therefore, using drone signal jammer devices is a more covert and safer option.
Since the Donbass War in 2014, Ukraine has used drones extensively in conflicts, a trend that increased significantly after the Russian invasion in 2022. According to estimates by a British think tank, the number of commercial drones lost in combat can reach tens of thousands per month. As the combat environment changes, the military will continue to deploy and test new blocker jammers to deal with various drone threats.
Handheld drone signal blockers such as the Dronebuster 3B are not only a necessity in modern combat, but also an important protective tool for soldiers when facing new war threats. As drone technology develops, military units must continue to innovate to ensure that they maintain their advantages in complex battlefield environments. With effective jamming methods, soldiers will be able to better protect themselves and complete their missions.
