An American company working with the Ukrainian military is developing a solution using regular cell phones to counter Russian electronic warfare tactics. The software allows the phones to locate enemies using jamming equipment, potentially giving operators an advantage in electromagnetic warfare. The Ukrainian military began field tests near Donetsk using six Android Pixel phones loaded with specialized software from Zephr.
The tests have shown that consumer cell phones, when networked together, can detect when GPS receivers are under attack. These phones collect data about their distance from satellites and towers, allowing for the detection of jamming devices. The group is now working under a contract with the Ukrainian government to develop techniques to triangulate the positions of jammers for avoidance or elimination.
Russia has been spoofing GPS signals in the Baltic Sea, creating unsafe conditions for consumer aircraft. Ukrainian soldiers report spoofing attacks on drones, but many of these are actually high-powered jamming attempts. The group aims to provide a quick and cost-effective solution for militaries like Ukraine and first responders dealing with jamming activities.
While this networked approach won’t replace more expensive military systems, it offers a practical solution for detecting jammers. It complements efforts to develop alternative position, navigation, and timing methods, potentially enhancing their effectiveness. The group is exploring different ways to understand and map areas affected by jamming activities to avoid them in the future.
