French defense technology corporation Thales Group has just introduced STORM 2, a wearable unmanned aerial vehicle defense system for soldiers.
The device is designed to help soldiers cope with threats from drones and UAVs on the modern battlefield.
STORM 2 weighs less than 2 kg, helping to significantly reduce the burden on soldiers during movement and combat.
According to Thales, the system has the ability to jam drone control signals in the frequency range from 20 MHz to 6 GHz, allowing it to deal with many different types of UAVs, from old models to modern devices.
Initially, this technology was developed to protect soldiers from homemade explosive devices (IEDs). However, with the rapid increase in threats from drones on the battlefield, the system has been upgraded to become a mobile anti-UAV solution.
STORM 2 uses a software-based radio system and processor, creating a flexible platform that can adapt to many tactical situations.
Thanks to the open architecture, Thales' partners and allies can develop more customizable tools to expand the device's functions, going beyond the role of a conventional signal jammer.
According to Mr. Timothy Coley, Product Director of Thales, the system can help soldiers recognize radio signals around them, such as video signals transmitted from drones or communication equipment on the battlefield.
This helps soldiers better understand the electromagnetic environment and quickly assess emerging threats.
One of the major challenges of wide-frequency jamming devices is that high power output can make the device easily detected.
STORM 2 is designed to overcome this problem by using a power output of about 10 watts combined with a reaction jamming mechanism.
Instead of emitting continuous jamming signals, the system only activates when a real threat is detected.
This approach helps reduce energy consumption, extend battery life and limit the risk of soldiers being detected by the enemy through radio signals.
According to Thales, the reaction jamming method also helps the system maintain efficiency while keeping electromagnetic signatures at the lowest possible level.
STORM 2 is expected to be publicly introduced at the Future Soldier 2026 event held in London.
Thales said this system represents a new step in the field of mobile electronic warfare, where compact devices but capable of protecting soldiers from threats from unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly popular.
