DRDO Unveils JAU: India’s Advanced Anti-Drone System to Counter UAV Threats

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has introduced the Jammer Anti-UAV (JAU) system, a cutting-edge counter-drone solution designed to neutralize enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, this system effectively disrupts drones by jamming, spoofing, and neutralizing their communication and navigation capabilities.

Advanced Electronic Warfare Against Drones

Drones rely on two primary connections: the command and control (C2) link, which allows operators to pilot them remotely, and the navigation link, which uses satellite-based systems such as GPS or GLONASS to determine their position. The JAU system targets both these connections, rendering drones inoperative.

Using advanced Electronic Support Measures (ESM), the system scans for drone signals across multiple frequency bands, including the commonly used 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz for drone control and the GPS L1 band (1575.42 MHz) for navigation. Once detected, the system deploys Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) to jam these signals, breaking the link between the drone and its operator and disrupting its navigation system.

Spoofing: Turning Drones Against Themselves

Beyond simple jamming, the JAU features a powerful spoofing capability. Instead of just blocking signals, it sends out fake satellite data that tricks drones into misinterpreting their location. This misinformation can cause drones to hover aimlessly, land unexpectedly, or activate their automatic "return-to-home" function, which may redirect them to unintended locations.

This ability to mislead enemy drones offers a strategic advantage by not only disabling them but also potentially allowing Indian forces to recover and analyze them for intelligence purposes.

Versatile Deployment for National Security

Designed for flexibility, the JAU system can be deployed in various configurations, including handheld, vehicle-mounted, and stationary units, making it suitable for different operational environments. Its effectiveness spans a broad spectrum of drone threats, from small commercial drones to larger military UAVs.

This makes the JAU a critical asset for India’s border security, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC), where hostile drones have been used for smuggling and surveillance. With the rising threat of drone-based incursions, DRDO's latest innovation significantly strengthens India's defense against airborne threats.

As drones continue to evolve, counter-drone systems like the JAU will play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, ensuring that hostile UAVs can be effectively neutralized before they pose a threat.