Ukraine Arms Soldiers With Domestic Anti-Drone Pistol
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has approved a domestically made anti-drone pistol for the armed forces in a move to enhance individual soldier survivability against hostile drones.
Constructed as a single, unified piece instead of assembled from different components, the compact anti-drone pistol weighs just over 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) with a 60-minute battery life.
Acting as a personal protection tool, the handheld device reportedly emits 50 watts of output to jam enemy drone signals within the radio frequency band of 700 to 1,000 megahertz and at a range of up to 100 meters (328 feet).
The capability enhances Ukraine’s electronic warfare arsenal by targeting some Russian-made drones that have allegedly shifted to the 700 to 1,000 megahertz range to evade Kyiv’s earlier countermeasures.
Portable Counter-Drone Solutions
With drones growing in number and often deployed in swarms, soldiers must cover all bases to protect themselves and military assets.
Earlier this month, a Ukrainian defense company unveiled a backpackable electronic warfare system featuring a special protective hood to reduce troops’ risk from high electromagnetic exposure that could cause cognitive issues.
In 2024, the country reportedly deployed a net gun, with a miniature handheld version, to entangle Russian drones in battle.