The US government has purchased more than 100 suspected drone jammer to protect government facilities, property, and personnel. The jammer interfered with the drone’s remote control, avoiding dangerous substitutes involving bullets and other projectiles. According to Defencetech, Battelle Labs has sold its DroneDefender portable drone jammer to the Department of Defense and Homeland Security. The jammer looks like an intersection between an old-fashioned TV antenna and an assault rifle and can block drones 400 meters away.
The working principle of DroneDefender is to direct radio energy to the drone, thereby interrupting the connection between the drone and the operator. The jammer operates in the common industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency bands. The 2.4 GHz frequency (one of the most common drone control frequencies) is part of the ISM band. Jammers can also interfere with GPS signals, which is an important function of drones based on satellite navigation guidelines. Once blocked, the drone can hover directly into place.
DroneDefender’s “soft killing” method involves disabling drones by cutting off controls and navigation links, rather than using more dynamic methods such as cannons full of birds and fire. The energy flow of radio waves will not harm people or cause property damage. The system weighs 15 pounds (including battery) and can be used continuously for up to 5 hours. The Department of Defense and Homeland Security have purchased 100 DroneDefenders, but will not discuss specific unit costs or officials who will accept these costs.