Researchers at Tambov State Technical University (TSTU) have introduced a fresh approach to counter small rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The development, showcased as part of Archipelago 2023, centers on a hardware-software complex designed to disrupt the operational capabilities of quadcopters and similar drones through controlled electromagnetic interference.
The system, referred to as a hardware-software complex (HSC), blends emitters of focused electromagnetic fields with smart software to intervene in the drone’s control signals. Depending on the drone’s make and class, the technology can target the radio control frequency range of a specific model, and it can also produce broadband interference when necessary. The result is a flexible defense option that adapts to different UAV profiles and mission contexts.
According to project lead Roman Karikh, the new setup aims to minimize the risk of delayed action in drone suppression. The HSC acts as a proactive layer of protection, enabling quicker disruption of unauthorized UAV activity and reducing the chance that a drone breaks away from monitored airspace before intervention can take place.
The architecture relies on two key components: a high-gain digital antenna array and an AI-driven software module. The antenna array concentrates the emitted fields in a controlled region, while the software dynamically generates interference patterns that are either narrowband to target a specific model or broadband to cover a wider range of devices. This combination allows for precise, scalable response to different UAV threats without excessive manpower or deployed hardware.
From a cost perspective, the system presents a compelling value proposition. Because the interference is directed and software-assisted, suppression can be achieved with smaller forces and infrastructure than some traditional counter-UAV solutions. Karikh emphasizes that such efficiency translates into lower development and deployment costs when compared to analogues in the field.
Current progress includes a working prototype that demonstrates the core capabilities of the HSC. The team continues to explore funding avenues to move the project toward broader industrial testing and potential commercialization. The ongoing work focuses on refining interference strategies, ensuring reliability across various drone platforms, and addressing regulatory considerations associated with electromagnetic emissions in real-world environments.
Earlier efforts in related security research have highlighted the importance of robust UAV protection measures in critical environments. The TSTU project adds to a growing body of work that seeks practical, scalable methods for maintaining airspace integrity in urban and industrial settings. The team remains committed to advancing technology that can respond quickly to evolving UAV threats while adhering to safety and policy standards.
In this evolving landscape, the emphasis is on mature, deployable solutions. The TSTU initiative demonstrates how intelligent hardware combined with adaptive software can offer a versatile tool for protecting sensitive zones, infrastructure, and personnel from unauthorized drone activity without resorting to heavy-handed measures.
The Archipelago 2023 showcase served as a launching point for these ideas, illustrating how universities can accelerate the transition from laboratory concept to field-ready systems. As the project progresses, stakeholders will be watching for further test results, regulatory alignment, and potential partnerships that could bring this protective technology into wider use across North America and beyond.
Overall, the work at TSTU underscores a broader trend in unmanned systems defense: the shift toward integrated, intelligent countermeasures that blend hardware capabilities with software intelligence to deliver effective, scalable protection in a rapidly changing aerial landscape.