Evolution of Portable Electronic Warfare Devices

In modern warfare, where air superiority is often determined not by fighter jets but by the number of drones, the use of electronic warfare can play a decisive role. From large truck- or aircraft-mounted stations capable of jamming communications for tens of kilometers, to portable EW systems with shorter ranges, we can clearly see how war reshapes technology and creates new solutions.
Today, EW systems are no longer just bulky and heavy equipment. They can also be compact units, small enough to fit in a backpack. A lightweight portable EW complex can be a matter of survival for a soldier. The ability to deploy a system within seconds and create protection from drones has turned such equipment from a niche technology into a vital necessity. So, how did the evolution of portable EW devices take place, and what are their advantages and limitations?

How Have Portable EW Systems Developed?

1950s–1970s: Early SIGINT Systems

The first portable systems were not active jammers but small radio reconnaissance (SIGINT) and direction-finding stations. Their goal was to detect and locate enemy radio stations rather than jam them. One early example was the AN/PRD-1, an American backpack-sized direction finder introduced in the 1950s. While it didn’t block communications, it gave infantry the ability to operate in the electromagnetic spectrum and marked the beginning of man-portable electronic capabilities.

1990s–2000s: The First Steps Toward Mobility

With the spread of GSM communications and GPS navigation, there was a growing need to jam these channels. More compact “jammers” appeared, capable of blocking mobile signals and navigation systems. These could be carried by small units, but battery life remained low – often only 20-40 minutes.

2001–2010s: Iraq and Afghanistan – The IED Challenge

A major breakthrough came during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the key threats to patrols was improvised explosive devices (IEDs), often triggered via radio signals (mobile phones, walkie-talkies, or remote controls). Soldiers needed equipment they could carry individually. This led to systems such as Warlock (Red, Green), designed to jam signals and block remote detonation attempts. Another example was THOR III, a portable EW backpack designed to disrupt multiple frequency bands and protect troops from radio-controlled IEDs. These systems became the predecessors of modern portable electronic warfare systems.

2014–Present: Countering Drones

The massive use of commercial and military drones in modern conflicts, especially in Ukraine, has accelerated the development of anti-drone solutions. Portable EW systems have evolved from niche devices into standard gear for infantry and airborne units. Their primary task is now jamming drone control and data transmission channels, providing personal protection from UAVs on the front line.

Why Electronic Warfare Backpacks?

The EW backpack form factor appeared for several reasons:

• Mobility – soldiers can carry the system without vehicles
• Rapid deployment – usable in any part of the frontline within seconds
• Concealment – compact design makes them less visible
• Real-time defense – instant reaction to drone threats

These factors shaped the appearance of modern electronic countermeasure backpacks, now commonly knows as EW backpacks.

Advantages of Portable EW Systems

It’s no coincidence that these systems are designed as backpacks. This design was dictated by military needs, which included the following requirements:

• High mobility
• Protection for small units in the field
• Fast deployment

Limitations

In spite of their significant advantages, EW backpacks are not without limitations:

• Limited battery life
• Smaller range compared to stationary systems
• Risk of detection while active
• Dependence on specific frequency bands

This is why engineers continue to improve algorithms, add multi-channel modules, and increase power while keeping weight manageable.

Ukrainian Experience in Creating Portable Electronic Warfare

The war in Ukraine has been a catalyst for innovation. If at first units relied mostly on imported or improvised devices, by 2023-2025 multiple Ukrainian manufacturers had developed their own portable EW systems.
One notable example is the VIK-2K by Defika – a portable EW backpack weighing about 10 kg, with up to 2 hours of autonomous operation. It covers the key drone frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) and, in tests, successfully jammed DJI Mavic-type drones, preventing them from approaching closer than 50 meters. This case demonstrates the ability of local engineers to rapidly adapt and provide effective anti-drone solutions for frontline troops.

The Future of EW Backpacks

Portable EW is expected to evolve in several directions:

• Improved energy efficiency with longer battery life
• Wider frequency coverage for more types of drones
• AI integration for automatic signal recognition and prioritization
• Reduced weight using modern materials and antenna systems
• Networked use of multiple systems to create larger EW “domes”

Conclusion

The evolution of portable electronic warfare systems shows how conflict drives rapid technological change. In less than half a century, EW has moved from heavy truck-mounted stations to lightweight backpacks carried by infantry. Today, the anti-drone backpack is no longer a luxury but an essential part of military EW equipment for mobile groups and frontline soldiers.