According to Forbes, Russia has begun deploying advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems that have significantly reduced the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones.
These systems, developed through Moscow’s extensive experience in the field, are not only disrupting communications but doing so with high precision and stealth.
A standout system is the SerP-VS6D, which uses a passive high-precision detector to identify various Ukrainian UAVs, including small FPV suicide drones. Once it locks onto a target, it jams both communication and navigation signals across six channels, disrupting multiple drones simultaneously within a 5-kilometer radius — all without emitting detectable signals.
Other systems now in service include the Sarmat-Migla and Sarmat-Kintavor, both praised for their advanced anti-drone capabilities. The Sarmat-Kintavor, for instance, can interfere with drones at ranges of 10–15 km, block GPS/GLONASS signals, and jam remote control channels. It also uses AI algorithms to distinguish between friendly and hostile signals and can be mounted on mobile or stationary platforms.
These systems integrate into a larger jamming network and can work alongside air defense systems like the Pantsir-S1 to intercept drones post-jamming. Field reports indicate that these EW systems have reduced Ukrainian drone strike effectiveness by 30% to 50% in frontline zones.
The big question: how long until Iran acquires these systems? With parts of its air defense weakened by Israeli strikes, Iran may be eager to buy Russian tech — even at a premium — to rebuild its capabilities before facing potential Israeli or U.S. attacks.