Miltech in Ukraine: Why EW Became a Core Survival Technology on the Battlefield

Ukraine has made an unprecedented leap in the field of defense technology (Defense Tech) in recent years. A special focus has shifted toward unmanned systems and electronic warfare (EW) equipment. As of 2025-2026, investments in Ukrainian Miltech have grown tenfold – from $5 million in 2023 to over $105 million. This development is not just a trend, but a vital response to the changing nature of modern warfare.

How the Threat Structure Has Changed

The mass use of UAVs has transformed the front line more than any other technology in the last century. FPV drones, with prices starting from a few hundred dollars, have become the primary means of destruction.

According to Ukraine’s production capacities in 2026, it is expected that Ukraine will produce up to 7 million drones per year. This is extremely important because, according to General Staff estimates, unmanned systems today account for 60% to 80% of damage to enemy equipment (both UAVs and ground vehicles) and manpower in specific sectors.

In such conditions, the classic air defense structure requires changes, as using an expensive missile against a cheap drone is economically impractical. This is why electronic warfare has become the foundation of security, as it acts not on the physical shell of the target, but on its “internal system” – radio communication.

Why the Radio Spectrum is the New Battlefield

Most FPV drones rely on a stable control channel. Traditionally, the following bands are used:

• Control: 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz (as well as non-standard 400-700 MHz frequencies);
• Video Transmission: 5.8 GHz and 1.2 GHz.

However, the modern radio environment in the combat zone is overloaded. Hundreds of transmitters, communication devices, and jamming systems operate simultaneously. The adversary is constantly adapting, changing frequencies to increase range or using complex data transfer protocols.

It is also important that the effectiveness of modern EW equipment is determined not only by power but also by flexibility – the ability to operate across a wide spectrum of bands and quickly adapt to new situations.

Practical Application of EW

In practice, protection using EW is divided into several critical scenarios:

• Position Protection: Creating a so-called dome over trenches against drops and FPV attacks
• Equipment Escort: Protecting armored groups and evacuation vehicles while in motion
• Point Suppression: Operating by signal after detecting a drone’s control channel

Systems that are not adapted to harsh field conditions (dust, rain, vibrations) quickly fail. Therefore, verification and testing today are not mere formalities, but perhaps the primary selection criteria.

How to Choose a Reliable EW Solution

The demand for electronic warfare equipment currently significantly exceeds the supply. This has led to the emergence of many players whose products exist only at the prototype level without proper testing. When choosing a system for a unit, experts advise paying attention to the following factors:

• State Codification: According to Ministry of Defense data, the presence of a code is confirmation that the product meets weapons and military equipment standards and can be officially purchased by the state.
• Protection Standards: For example, the IP54 class, which guarantees the system’s operability in wet and dusty conditions.
• Proven Effectiveness: Verification by official structures, such as the Defense Procurement Agency.

The Future of Technologies

The industry’s development is moving toward smart EW. This is a transition from broad jamming, which can interfere with friendly forces, to surgical impact on specific signals. In parallel, the role of spectrum analysis and the integration of EW with other detection systems is growing.

The market is gradually consolidating around companies capable of ensuring stable quality and scaling production. For units, this means that the choice will become simpler over time, but for now, it requires maximum attention.

Defika develops portable electronic warfare equipment tailored for real-world operational scenarios. The VIK-2K EW system has passed state codification, confirmed compliance with the IP54 standard, and is verified by the Defense Procurement Agency. You can order an EW system or learn more on the product page.