The GPS jammer itself is typically a small, self-contained frequency transmitter that can send an interference signal within a five to ten meter range. The devices typically plug into a cigarette lighter or USB/charging port and require a low amount of power. Although illegal in most places, GPS jammers can be purchased online and come in various types, such as Wi-Fi jammers, Bluetooth jammers, remote control jammers or drone jammers.
The Pentagon said the drone was destroyed by a sophisticated electronic signal jammer, but the Boxer is also armed with a variety on anti-aircraft guns and missiles.
When President Trump announced that the U.S. had “destroyed” an Iranian drone, he didn’t specify whether it was shot down — that’s because electronic jamming technology was reportedly used to take “defensive” action.
The Drive/WarZone published an article describing an anti-drone system known as the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS). The system consists of a RADA RPS-42 short range, S-band, hemispheric, AESA radar mounted on an MRZR dune buggy. On top of the radar unit is a gyro-stabilized CM202 multi-sensor optical ball that provides positive visual identification of targets. (2) The systems apparently operate in pairs. When a target is designated, the targeting data can be fed to various systems such as a Modi jammer which is a backpack signal jammer. (3) Theoretically, the targeting data could be fed to a ship’s hard-kill defensive systems but it is unknown (and probably unlikely) that this was possible, in this case. It appears that the Modi jammer was used to disrupt the ground control signal to the Iranian drone thereby causing it to crash.
While GPS jammers can cause minor disturbances, such as signal loss, they can also pose a large risk to public safety. For instance, GPS jammers cannot distinguish between types of communications and may block ingoing or outgoing calls from emergency responders. Additionally, the devices could block more than calls and disrupt all communications within a broad frequency range.