Effector
operational
In service: 2016
DroneDefender
Battelle
United States
Handheld RF jammer for point defense against small UAS, providing individual operators with C-UAS capability.
System Overview
What It Is
DroneDefender is a rifle-style handheld device that allows individual operators to defeat small drones by jamming their control links.
How It Works
The operator aims the directional antenna at a drone and activates jamming on common control frequencies. This disrupts the drone command link, typically causing it to land or activate return-to-home functions.
Primary Capability
Handheld RF jamming to disrupt drone control links and GPS navigation, forcing UAS to land or return home.
Procurement Intelligence
Technology Readiness
TRL 9
Production (TRL 9)Est. Price Range$30K–$50K
NDAA Sec. 889
Compliant
JIATF-401 Approved
No
Target SetGroup 1
Defeat MechanismEW (Jam)
Unit Weight6.8 kg
Procurement Status
DoD deployed; earlier generation system
Overview
DroneDefender provides a last line of defense capability that can be issued to individual personnel for immediate drone threats.
Technical Specifications
- Handheld operation
- Battery powered
- Multi-band jamming
- Directional antenna
- Weight: ~15 lbs
Range
Effective Range
400-1000m
Compatible Platforms
Handheld
Deployed By
US Military
US Secret Service
Various Allied Nations
Key Features
- No special training required
- Immediate availability
- Non-kinetic defeat
- Portable protection
Advantages
- Instant C-UAS capability
- Easy to use
- Effective against commercial drones
Limitations
- Limited range
- Ineffective against autonomous drones
- Requires line of sight
- May affect friendly systems
Related Systems
L-MADIS
DroneGun