The Development Trends of Drone and Anti-Drone Technologies from a Global Security Perspective

Abstract: Since the introduction of low, slow, small commercial drones in global military conflicts, they have continuously influenced and altered traditional military tactics. This article reviews the evolution of commercial drone and anti-drone technologies in light of the global security situation, concluding that small tactical drones are developing towards miniaturization, increased speed, and multifunctionality. Currently, a large-scale FPV (First Person View) offensive has emerged on the battlefield, and SDR (Software Defined Radio)-based anti-drone technology is becoming the mainstream trend.

Keywords: SDR, FPV, Low Altitude Economy, Anti-Drone Jamming

The application of low, slow, small drones in the commercial sector has expanded across various industries, generating significant economic and social value. However, recent global security changes have seen these drones introduced into military conflicts, causing considerable casualties and equipment losses. In response, new drone technologies, such as high anti-jamming FPV drones, foam drones, and fiber-guided drones, have emerged. To prevent unnecessary casualties and equipment losses, anti-drone technologies must evolve alongside drone technologies to meet low-altitude defense needs and ensure public safety.

The Changing Demand for Drones on the Russia-Ukraine Battlefield

Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on February 24, 2022, both sides have engaged in a military competition involving drones and anti-drones. The evolution of drone technology can be divided into seven stages, with varying types of drones used by both sides at each stage.

Stage One: Russia employed medium-altitude, long-endurance military drones like the E95M to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance, exposing enemy air defenses for follow-up artillery attacks.

Stage Two: In March 2022, Russia continued using medium-altitude drones for situation awareness, while Ukraine began utilizing commercial and homemade drones to supplement its relatively small drone fleet.

Stage Three: Between April and August 2022, drones became primary reconnaissance and artillery targeting tools for both armies. Neither side used drones as strike platforms but focused on frontline reconnaissance.

Stage Four: In autumn 2022, the introduction of loitering munitions marked a turning point. Ukrainian forces began using commercial drones to drop bombs on Russian troops.

Stage Five: By early 2023, quadcopters became prevalent on the battlefield. Both sides sought advanced drones for night operations.

Stage Six: By June 2023, rapid tactical changes in the "drone-anti-drone" competition emerged, leading to adjustments in Ukrainian tactics, with an emphasis on developing drones that minimize radar detection.

Stage Seven: By October 2023, the widespread use of low-cost FPV drones allowed for precise strikes with minimal costs. Both sides have amassed over a million FPVs, transforming the battlefield into a drone warfare arena.

Challenges for Anti-Drone Technology Due to High Anti-Jamming Drones

Conventional anti-drone technologies primarily rely on high-power jamming to neutralize threats from low, slow, small drones. Traditional VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) jamming techniques, while cost-effective, have limited range and effectiveness against modern drones equipped with MIMO technology, multi-frequency operations, and frequency-hopping techniques.

As high anti-jamming drones proliferate, the demand for anti-drone systems has evolved from a power-centric to an algorithm-driven approach. Advanced anti-drone systems must be flexible and capable of adapting to various drone communication protocols, including Express LRS, FlySky, and others.

SDR Technology as the Future of Anti-Drone Systems

To ensure the safety of soldiers and critical infrastructure, anti-drone technologies must advance alongside modern drone capabilities. Traditional VCO technologies are insufficient against high anti-jamming drones and FPVs.

Guandun Tech's SDR + TDOA technology offers a solution by providing precise jamming capabilities tailored to different drone types. SDR allows for adaptive interference methods that can be refined through software updates, maintaining effectiveness against emerging threats.

The Importance of SDR + TDOA Technology in Low-Altitude Defense

FPV systems use robust anti-jamming technologies, making them challenging to counteract. The SDR + TDOA approach enables effective jamming by sending specific spread-spectrum interference codes, ensuring disruption of FPV control signals.

In the context of the low-altitude economy, the need for effective anti-drone measures has never been greater. Investments in low-altitude infrastructures demand robust protections against unauthorized drone flights. Therefore, adopting SDR technology in anti-drone systems is crucial for securing investments and ensuring long-term safety.

Conclusion

The application of FPVs and high anti-jamming drones has introduced significant uncertainty into global security dynamics. Countries are building their drone forces, and critical infrastructure is being fortified with anti-drone systems. The continued evolution of anti-drone technology is essential to reduce casualties and equipment losses in warfare and protect civilians in urban and industrial environments.