Ukraine develops new DF-M drone jamming system
A new Ukrainian electronic warfare system designed to counter drones such as Mavic and FPV models was unveiled in Lviv during the forum “Joint Enterprises, Joint Defense.”
The system, named DF-M, was developed by Ukrainian company Piranha Tech. It introduces a modular design that allows military units to select different jamming blocks for the frequency ranges most often used by enemy drones in specific areas of the front.
According to Oboronka’s report, DF-M can be mounted on various platforms, from stationary tripods on buildings or positions to pickup trucks and armored vehicles. The system can engage targets at a distance of up to 1.5 kilometers using directional antennas, providing effective coverage against drones such as Mavic and Autel that drop munitions on Ukrainian troops. Alternatively, omnidirectional antennas can be employed to create a protective “dome” extending 100 meters.
Oboronka cited Deputy Director of Piranha Tech Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, who explained that weaker drones are neutralized at even greater distances.
“If a Mavic is ‘weak,’ meaning it does not have advanced military firmware and controllers, this system closes the sky at 3 km,” Khrapchynskyi said in the report.
The outlet noted that DF-M can operate across a wide range of frequencies, from 100 MHz to 7,000 MHz, depending on the modules installed. Units can replace antennas and jamming blocks directly in the field, allowing a single device to adapt to multiple mission requirements.
“DF-M is essentially a constructor that can be assembled to meet specific needs. The highlight of our approach during development is unification and software that, when integrated with radars or electronic reconnaissance systems, can automatically engage a target, create jamming sectors, and control multiple systems simultaneously,” Khrapchynskyi said, as reported by Oboronka.
The report also highlighted that remote operation has been built into the system, enabling control from anywhere in the world if a secure communications channel is available.
Oboronka wrote that Piranha Tech’s production capacity allows for the manufacture of up to 500 DF-M systems per month, with a unit cost of 1 million hryvnias for the version designed to counter drones such as the Mavic.
Khrapchynskyi told the outlet that the software component was developed with adaptability in mind.
“We designed the software anticipating possible changes and improvements made by the enemy to their drones. Minor updates from manufacturers like Mavic and Autel are easily adjusted,” he said.
