Of late, the electronic warfare systems for both naval and airborne platforms are equipped with emerging technologies, which enhance their capabilities. These systems focus on jamming and identification of radar and other electronic signals that enable operations in the enemy territories. For instance, the US SEWIP program focuses on the upgrade of AN/SLQ-32 EW system for defense against the cruise or guided missiles and other radar threats. For airborne platforms, the Next Generation signal jammer is intended to strengthen the software-driven approach to these systems. This can be employed across a range of platforms, including next generation stealth fighter planes and bombers and other special mission aircraft.
The MTPI also has the ability to detect and determine the general location and type of hostile emitters, giving it a limited capacity to conduct intelligence gathering missions on enemy defenses. When the Soviet Union introduced the type in the latter half of the Cold War, part of the goal was to provide more of a multi-mission capability over existing Mi-8/Mi-17-based cell phone jammer.
Currently, the ECM protective systems that have been used to weaken the enemy attempts by using electromagnetic spectrum. The development in ECM protective systems platform will move beyond jammers that simply barrage the environment with signals, but also block friendly communications to selective and reactive target jamming capabilities. There will also be a preference towards dismounted and portable jammers that will allow the development of smaller lightweight personal protection devices.
Obscured by police officers, the third piece of kit seen on the Gatwick airport roof is possibly a jamming device, used to disrupt the signal between the ground operator and the drone. A well-placed source said a jamming device was deployed at Gatwick and which was supplied by the British military. The source suggested the drone jammer was to be used as backup and as a last resort. Authorities had placed Army and police snipers around the perimeter of the airport and had hoped to shoot the drone down or else trace it back to its operator – rather than jam the signal. “We want to capture the drone not destroy it,” said the source.
Not military at all, but: Sounds like it would be complete guesswork and only marginally better than just putting it on a timer. Jammers have more range than your average IED. It would just explode as soon as a jammer gets remotely close, and not be harmful at all.