As electronic warfare becomes increasingly prevalent on modern battlefields, Israeli defense firm infiniDome sees an opportunity to provide anti-jam capabilities for smaller platforms, including drones and GPS-guided munitions. The goal is to ensure accurate navigation even in heavily contested environments.
Jamming and Spoofing: Growing Threats to GPS Navigation
Omer Sharar, cofounder and CEO of infiniDome, highlighted the ease with which GPS signals can be disrupted, noting that even small, handheld jammers can disable GPS over considerable distances. Beyond jamming, spoofing—feeding false location data—is also a significant concern.
Civilian Impact: The Reach of Spoofing
Sharar noted the widespread impact of GPS spoofing in Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, where civilians experienced inaccurate location data, highlighting the broad reach of this tactic.
Signal Weakness: A Vulnerability to Exploitation
GNSS signals are inherently weak, making them vulnerable to disruption. Sharar likened the challenge of receiving GPS signals to detecting a 20-Watt lightbulb in California from New York.
Friendly Fire: The Problem of „Blue” Jamming
Israeli forces encountered jamming issues during operations after the Oct. 7 attacks, not just from enemy forces („red” jamming) but also from their own („blue” jamming) due to electronic warfare activities.
Countermeasures Exist: But Often Insufficient for Small Platforms
While larger systems have backup navigation systems, these can be expensive and may not be suitable for smaller platforms like quadcopters and FPV drones.
infiniDome’s Solution: Null Steering for Small Platforms
infiniDome aims to provide anti-jam capabilities for small platforms using a technology called „null steering,” typically found in large, expensive anti-jamming solutions for aircraft and warships.
A Modular Approach: Easy Integration with Existing Systems
InfiniDome’s module acts as a filter between the receiver and antennas, requiring no special antennas or receivers. It combines with existing antennas to create a new receiving pattern.
Targeting GPS-Guided Munitions: Restoring Accuracy in Ukraine
The company is also developing technology to enhance the accuracy of GPS-guided munitions like 155mm artillery rounds. Sharar noted that the accuracy of GPS-guided munitions in Ukraine has significantly decreased due to jamming.
Restoring Accuracy: Making Smart Munitions Effective Again
infiniDome aims to „make smart munitions smart again” by restoring their accuracy in contested environments.
Global Demand: Interest from India and Europe
infiniDome is seeing significant interest from India and Europe, with successful trials in both regions. The growing awareness of GNSS denial and manipulation is driving demand for anti-jam solutions.
A Painful Reality: The Importance of GNSS Protection
Sharar emphasized that GNSS denial and manipulation are no longer theoretical concerns but a painful reality for modern militaries, prompting a global need for ways to combat it.
