Russian invaders have begun using “Shaheds” equipped with 32-element protected satellite navigation antennas—up from the previous 16 elements—to attack Kyiv. Consequently, Ukraine will need to increase the number of electronic warfare systems capable of jamming navigation signals. Serhiy Beskrestnov (call sign “Flash”), the Presidential Advisor on the development of defense technologies, announced this new modification of Russian drones on Facebook, as reported by Rubryka and the PromPolitInform portal.
According to him, Ukrainian specialists continue to detect a new type of satellite navigation antenna on the “Shaheds” attacking Kyiv. These feature 32 elements, whereas the enemy previously used 16-element antennas.
As Flash noted, the drone can locate its target in two ways:
an operator controls it remotely via a MESH modem,
the aircraft navigates using satellite navigation signals, such as GPS.
To counter Russian drone guidance via GPS, Ukraine employs electronic warfare (EW) systems that jam satellite navigation frequencies. In response, the Russians are equipping “Shaheds” with special CRPA antennas capable of neutralizing the effects of such jamming. The number of antenna elements directly affects the antenna’s ability to counter electronic warfare (EW) measures: the more elements there are, the more sources of interference it can suppress.
Why Ukraine will need to step up its EW capabilities
Increasing the number of antenna elements makes countering Russian drones more difficult. According to a simplified explanation by Beskrestnov, while previously it took 16 EW sources surrounding a “Shahed” to effectively jam its navigation signals, that number now needs to double.
Beskrestnov explains that this technological race creates additional challenges for Ukraine. It is easier for the Russian army to increase the number of antenna elements than it is for Ukraine to deploy additional EW sites.
As previously reported, one to three Russian MESH radio repeaters may also be operating in Kyiv, enabling the temporary transfer of control over “Shahed” drones to adjust their strikes.
It is also worth noting that the Russians are increasing the camera resolution on their drones and using higher-quality materials. This allows for more detailed observation of the situation on the ground and enables the use of a single UAV for various missions.
