Battle of Counter-Drone SAMs- Raytheon's Coyote Vs. Russian Pantsir-S1

The successful testing of Coyote interceptors in 2021, where they destroyed mock enemy drones, further validated the capabilities of the integrated LIDS system.

In April 2023, Raytheon Technologies secured a $237 million contract from the U.S. Army for KuRFS and Coyote effectors. This contract aimed to enhance detection and defeat capabilities against unmanned aircraft (UAVs). LIDS, with its KuRFS precision targeting radar and Coyote interceptors, proved instrumental in providing persistent detection, identification, and tracking of airborne threats. The success of LIDS was again demonstrated in 2023 during tests at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, where KuRFS detected a complex swarm, and Coyote interceptors effectively defeated multiple targets, both singles and swarms.

International interest in LIDS is substantial, with more than a dozen countries seeking briefings, and the U.S. State Department approving a potential sale of the system to Qatar. As the Army prepares for its next record test in Arizona, the LIDS system stands poised to showcase its exceptional capabilities and continued effectiveness in countering unmanned aerial threats.

Counter-drone Systems in the Russia-Ukraine War

In the Ukraine War, both Ukraine and Russia employ counter-drone systems against the widespread use of drones. Traditional air defenses, including interceptors and anti-drone guns, prove effective against larger, slower drones, but the cost of intercepting drones remains a challenge.

To address this, electronic warfare tactics such as jammers and high-energy lasers are increasingly used to disrupt drones, especially smaller ones that can swarm and overwhelm air defenses.

Ukraine faces challenges in electronic warfare compared to Russia but receives support from NATO member states, incorporating the latest Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology. These systems vary, from handheld devices like the Skywiper EDM4S to larger platforms like the Terrahawk Paladin, Slinger, and Cortex Typhoon. Mobile C-UAS platforms, mounted on trucks or armored vehicles, provide flexibility in deployment.

Ukraine also utilizes Smartshooter systems to modify existing weapons for drone targeting. While effective, these systems have limitations in detecting and engaging drones in swarms.

Additionally, Ukraine deploys the Brave 1 counter-drone system, emitting "white noise" to interfere with drone radio frequencies. This system can disable drones from a distance, employing passive detection to evade countermeasures and suppressing satellite navigation data transmissions.

In November 2023, Ukraine conducted trials on drones from six private companies to assess their resilience against electronic warfare (EW) interference. The Ministry of Defense specifically evaluated FPV drones designed by private enterprises to withstand complex EW radiation. The assessments included testing resistance to signal suppression in video communication and control channels. Notably, one manufacturer showcased a serially developed kamikaze drone, demonstrating stability in video communication and control functions when faced with electronic warfare systems. Ukraine has deployed an electronic warfare system capable of disabling unmanned aerial systems through radio interference.

Russia employs electronic warfare units to counter Ukrainian drone strikes, occasionally disabling mobile internet to interfere with drone communication. To achieve this, mobile internet is being disabled in certain regions, including Leningrad, Novgorod, and Pskov in northwestern Russia, between January 25-30, according to Russian media.The decision to switch off 4G networks at night is attributed to the need to facilitate anti-drone operations, as both LTE wireless broadband and electronic warfare units operate on the same frequencies.

As the conflict evolves, the need for cost-effective, compact, and portable defense systems against UAS threats becomes apparent. Electronic warfare continues to play a crucial role, with both sides adapting their strategies in response to emerging technologies and tactics.