Latest news with #jamming
South China Morning Post
7 hours ago
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Chinese military researchers seek to draw electronic warfare lessons from Ukraine jamming
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 satellite navigation signals were one of its first targets. The jamming started with civilian navigation systems, but within less than two weeks, military bands had been targeted as well. All satellite navigation systems in the war zone, including the US GPS system, the European Union's Galileo, China's Beidou and even Russia's own Glonass, fell victim. Western powers, led by the United States, immediately launched a counter-jamming mission to stall Russia's attempts, according to a paper by Chinese scientists. While this did not receive a great amount of coverage at the time, some analysts have described it as the first major bout of electronic warfare between major military powers. It also presented a golden opportunity for Chinese observers, particularly given that Beidou was among the systems affected.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
China's new electronic warfare tech disrupts enemy systems while protecting friendly signals
Chinese researchers have reportedly developed a new electronic warfare (EW) system that can simultaneously interfere with enemy systems while keeping friendly ones untouched in a 'null zone'. Likened to the eye of a storm, this new technology represents a significant shift in conventional EW systems. To help conceptualize how it works, think of a storm. Everything inside it is disrupted by intense electromagnetic noise. But the center of a hurricane, colloquially called 'the eye', is completely calm. The new technology intentionally creates the 'eye' for friendly forces, even in the middle of aggressive electronic warfare. The innovation reportedly works on coordinated drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) acting as precise jamming sources. These drones emit carefully crafted radio signals that can be adjusted for waveform, amplitude, phase, and timing (all controllable radio frequency signal parameters). Dual drones act in tandem to create 'the eye' The dual feature of both jamming enemy devices while allowing ally communication involves two drones acting in conjunction. While the first acts as the primary jammer, neutralizing enemy signals through disruptive waves; the second emits a counter signal that nullifies the jamming wave at an location where friendly forces are operating. The signals cancel each other out at the point they intersect, creating 'the eye' or the calm. In signal processing terms, the technology uses beamforming and phase cancellation strategies, typically found in advanced communications but now repurposed for electronic warfare. Older conventional jamming or suppression EW systems tend to be omnidirectional, with the signal effectively broadcast in all directions in a 3D space. Such systems are not picky, and tend to suppress all vulnerable electronic systems within range. These systems tend to be manned to some extent and have a relatively low precision. More advanced systems, like those used on the EA-6B 'Prowler', EA-18G 'Growler', or even Russia's 'Khibiny', use directional jamming techniques that are more focused. Potentially revolutionary but only in simulation stage The new Chinese system, on the other hand, would overcome many of these downsides. During computer simulations, the researchers tested the system under heavy jamming conditions. The jamming signals were 100 times stronger than the target signal (20 dB = 10^2). Despite this, they were able altogether to cancel out the interference at the friendly receiver. "Under the simulation condition of a 20 dB interference-to-signal ratio, electromagnetic interference at the target legitimate user can be reduced to zero," wrote the team led by Yang Jian, a professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese journal Acta Electronica Sinica. The feat is impressive if the claims are true, as it implies extremely precise spatial control of the electromagnetic environment. For military applications, this would be very useful as it would enable a kind of 'selective jamming', offering a huge tactical edge. It would enable secure operations in contested environments (e.g., GPS-denied zones). Such a system would also make EW less of a blunt instrument and more of a surgical tool. As impressive as all this sounds, it is essential to note that the system is currently simulation only and not proven in real-world tests. It also relies heavily on precise drone coordination and advanced real-time signal control, which is technically difficult to pull off under combat conditions.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BAE Systems to support airborne electronic attack capabilities for Italy
HUDSON, N.H., July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BAE Systems (LON: BA) has received a $12 million contract from L3Harris to support the modification of two Gulfstream G550 aircraft into airborne electronic attack (EA) platforms for the Italian Air Force. When the airframes are fitted with modern EA mission systems, they will provide Italy with powerful, long-range capabilities that disrupt and suppress enemies' command and control, communication, navigation, and air defense systems. Under its contract, BAE Systems will provide hardware to modify the aircraft, including racks, radomes, cables, and harnesses to prepare for the installation of advanced electronic warfare mission systems that will enhance Italy's ability to operate in the electromagnetic battlespace. "This modification work is a critical step toward delivering advanced EA capabilities to the Italian Air Force," said Cory Casalegno, director for Coalition Electronic Attack at BAE Systems. "Providing high-powered, long-range jamming capabilities to an important U.S. ally broadens the strength of the global allied fleet and supports the mission of the U.S. Air Force." BAE Systems' airborne EA mission systems complement the range, altitude, and endurance attributes of the G550 business jets, providing long-range jamming from safer operational distances. The systems limit adversaries' situational awareness, disrupt their use of the electromagnetic spectrum for operations, and align with the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force. BAE Systems has designed and developed advanced EA mission systems for decades, continually evolving the technology to address modern threats, and redesigning hardware for different airframes – carefully balancing the need for high-power output with size, weight, and power constraints. For additional information about BAE Systems' electronic warfare technology, visit: For more information, please contact: Mark Daly, BAE SystemsMobile: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE BAE Systems, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
The National
02-07-2025
- The National
Increased GPS jamming sparks interest in alternative navigation technology
One of the side effects of the hostilities between Israel and Iran has been the increased inaccuracies of navigation systems relied on by ships and, to a lesser extent, smartphone users in the Middle East. Most experts say those inaccuracies are probably the result of Global Positioning Satellite spoofing, known as GPS jamming. Israel, Iran, proxy groups, or all of the above might be to blame. Companies trying to protect their own interests might also be a contributing factor. Regardless, GPS jamming can be used offensively or defensively, and is often implemented by militaries to disrupt signals sent by navigation and location-based systems to gain a strategic advantage, avoid missiles or confuse the enemy. According to Jack Hidary, chief executive at SandboxAQ, a developer of products involving quantum technology and artificial intelligence, the very things that make GPS so accessible are the same things that make it so vulnerable. "It's a publicly registered and publicly available frequency that is widely accessible," he said, explaining that those attributes make GPS easily adaptable to various devices, operating systems and vast technology standards. "That also means that it's brittle by design," Mr Hidary added. A quick internet search shows how vulnerable GPS can be, with a plethora of devices available to just about anyone who wants them ranging from $130 to $2,000. That sort of easy access, combined with hostilities and geopolitical tension, have caused GPS headaches for shipping and even air. Amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, according to maritime insights and data provider Windward, about "970 ships per day" experienced GPS jamming in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. All that jamming can cause delays and be costly and, in turn, many companies are now looking into alternatives to GPS, with technology firms actively researching what works best. GPS alternatives? Over at SandboxAQ, Mr Hidary said the company is attracting a lot of interest in its proprietary AQNav technology from companies looking for reliable alternatives to GPS. He described AQNav as having three main components, a quantum sensor that picks up the magnetic field of the Earth, a graphics processing unit (GPU) and special AI software. Though it might seem complex at first, he said AQNav is rooted in and inspired by nature. 'Birds use it, literally," he explained, referring to the Earth's magnetic field and how its used by animals. "Billions of birds use it every day to go and do their business of migrating up and down this planet, and whales are using it too." Each square metre of Earth, Mr Hidary said, has a unique fingerprint that corresponds with Earth's magnetic field, and he said SandboxAQ's technology is able to make the most of that existing data. Perhaps most importantly is that it depends on far fewer elements, unlike GPS, Mr Hidary said. "It does not connect to a satellite, it does not connect to the cloud, it does not connect to the internet," he said. "Therefore there's no way to hack it." A number of companies are working on GPS alternatives. Some are experimenting with the use of low-Earth-orbit satellites, while others have pursued something called cellular network positioning, with mixed results. Nonetheless, the pursuit of more secure and therefore less fragile navigation systems is likely to continue, with interest at an all-time high due to geopolitical tension and GPS spoofing. In June, The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the International Air Transport Association tentatively agreed to a comprehensive plan that would address GPS jamming. Some parts of the plan involve tightening export controls on GPS jamming devices, as well as maintaining back-up systems to create a "minimum operational network of traditional navigation aids". Tech experts and entrepreneurs like Mr Hidary say the pursuit of more navigation options and the improvement of GPS could pay big dividends for everyone. "We all depend on reliable transport, either for ourselves travelling and/or for cargo to come in, and inherently we're all dependent on a strong navigation system to make that happen," he said.
The National
01-07-2025
- The National
Increased GPS spoofing sparks interest in alternative navigation technology
One of the side effects of the hostilities between Israel and Iran has been the increased inaccuracies of navigation systems relied on by ships and, to a lesser extent, smartphone users in the Middle East. Most experts say those inaccuracies are probably the result of Global Positioning Satellite spoofing, known as GPS jamming. Israel, Iran, proxy groups, or all of the above might be to blame. Companies trying to protect their own interests might also be a contributing factor. Regardless, GPS jamming can be used offensively or defensively, and is often implemented by militaries to disrupt signals sent by navigation and location-based systems to gain a strategic advantage, avoid missiles or confuse the enemy. According to Jack Hidary, chief executive at SandboxAQ, a developer of products involving quantum technology and artificial intelligence, the very things that make GPS so accessible are the same things that make it so vulnerable. "It's a publicly registered and publicly available frequency that is widely accessible," he said, explaining that those attributes make GPS easily adaptable to various devices, operating systems and vast technology standards. "That also means that it's brittle by design," Mr Hidary added. A quick internet search shows how vulnerable GPS can be, with a plethora of devices available to just about anyone who wants them ranging from $130 to $2,000. That sort of easy access, combined with hostilities and geopolitical tension, have caused GPS headaches for shipping and even air. Amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, according to maritime insights and data provider Windward, about "970 ships per day" experienced GPS jamming in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. All that jamming can cause delays and be costly and, in turn, many companies are now looking into alternatives to GPS, with technology firms actively researching what works best. GPS alternatives? Over at SandboxAQ, Mr Hidary said the company is attracting a lot of interest in its proprietary AQNav technology from companies looking for reliable alternatives to GPS. He described AQNav as having three main components, a quantum sensor that picks up the magnetic field of the Earth, a graphics processing unit (GPU) and special AI software. Though it might seem complex at first, he said AQNav is rooted in and inspired by nature. 'Birds use it, literally," he explained, referring to the Earth's magnetic field and how its used by animals. "Billions of birds use it every day to go and do their business of migrating up and down this planet, and whales are using it too." Each square metre of Earth, Mr Hidary said, has a unique fingerprint that corresponds with Earth's magnetic field, and he said SandboxAQ's technology is able to make the most of that existing data. Perhaps most importantly is that it depends on far fewer elements, unlike GPS, Mr Hidary said. "It does not connect to a satellite, it does not connect to the cloud, it does not connect to the internet," he said. "Therefore there's no way to hack it." A number of companies are working on GPS alternatives. Some are experimenting with the use of low-Earth-orbit satellites, while others have pursued something called cellular network positioning, with mixed results. Nonetheless, the pursuit of more secure and therefore less fragile navigation systems is likely to continue, with interest at an all-time high due to geopolitical tension and GPS spoofing. In June, The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the International Air Transport Association tentatively agreed to a comprehensive plan that would address GPS jamming. Some parts of the plan involve tightening export controls on GPS jamming devices, as well as maintaining back-up systems to create a "minimum operational network of traditional navigation aids". Tech experts and entrepreneurs like Mr Hidary say the pursuit of more navigation options and the improvement of GPS could pay big dividends for everyone. "We all depend on reliable transport, either for ourselves travelling and/or for cargo to come in, and inherently we're all dependent on a strong navigation system to make that happen," he said.
