The Growing Threat of GPS Disruption
An Israeli defense company, infiniDome, is addressing the increasing challenges of electronic warfare by developing anti-jamming capabilities for small platforms like drones and GPS-guided munitions. With the proliferation of easily accessible jamming technology, protecting these systems has become critical.
CEO Highlights Vulnerability of GNSS Signals
Omer Sharar, cofounder and CEO of infiniDome, emphasized the vulnerability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals: „You can get a small, handheld jammer on a random Chinese website that can kill GPS signals for hundreds of meters or take down UAVs from kilometers away.” He likened the threat to a cyber denial-of-service attack, where jamming can effectively shut down GNSS signals.
Spoofing: A Battlefield and Civilian Concern
Beyond jamming, spoofing—the act of feeding false location data—poses a significant threat. Sharar noted instances of GPS spoofing affecting Israelis, with devices displaying locations in distant cities like Cairo or Beirut. He explained that GNSS signals are inherently weak, making them susceptible to disruption.
Friendly Fire: Jamming from Within
Israeli forces encountered jamming issues during operations, primarily due to their own electronic warfare activities. „The biggest problem we had in Israel was not ‘red’ jamming from the enemy, but it was ‘blue’ by the IDF,” Sharar stated.
Countermeasures and Limitations
While alternative navigation systems exist, such as AI-aided visual or gravitational navigation, and larger drones have hardened GPS links, these solutions can be costly and have limitations. Sharar pointed out that smaller drones often lack the capacity for robust anti-jamming technology.
infiniDome’s Solution: Null Steering
InfiniDome’s approach involves „null steering,” a technology previously used in large, expensive anti-jamming systems for high-value assets like helicopters and battleships. The company is developing a compact module that acts as a filter between the receiver and antennas, compatible with existing GPS receivers.
Targeting Artillery Accuracy
InfiniDome aims to enhance the accuracy of GPS-guided munitions, such as 155mm artillery shells. Sharar noted the declining accuracy of Excalibur munitions in Ukraine due to jamming and spoofing, stating, „So we want to make smart munitions smart again.”
Global Demand for Anti-Jamming Solutions
The increasing prevalence of GNSS denial and manipulation has spurred demand for anti-jamming solutions worldwide. Sharar reported significant interest from India, Europe, and the eastern and northern European regions. „Everyone is waking up,” he said, highlighting the growing awareness of this critical threat.
