Ukraine has the potential to attack Moscow with drones: an interview with an Israeli developer

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has used about 1,160 Iranian drones against Ukraine. Almost 900 Shaheds were shot down by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Oren Flax, an Israeli developer of electronic warfare, spoke about the features of electronic warfare, countering kamikaze drones, and the technical potential of Ukraine in an interview with RFI-Ukraine.

— You work in 25 countries around the world. In particular, in Ukraine you participated in the creation of the Closed Sky project in the Lviv region. What prompted you to develop cooperation in Ukraine?

— Due to the growing potential and great opportunities that Ukraine offers, the development of cooperation in this country is one of our main priorities. Ukraine has talented specialists and innovative potential, which makes it very attractive for our company.

— In May, Israel tested its own civilian warning system in Kyiv, which warns of the threat of missile attack. Is it possible to create a similar UAV warning system?

— Missile warning systems and UAV warning systems have common features in terms of detecting and warning about a potential threat. However, to create a similar warning system for unmanned aerial vehicles, the specific characteristics of drones, their movement patterns, speed and behavior should be taken into account. We can develop such a system using advanced technologies and algorithms that take into account the unique features of drones. Moreover, one of the cities in Ukraine has already ordered a similar complex. And we have already successfully implemented the first stage of this system.

— What new equipment against Shahed and Lancets will you install in Ukraine? Where exactly will it be? And what is the peculiarity of the system?

— At the moment, we are not disclosing specific details about the equipment that we are installing in Ukraine. However, we have systems and technologies that successfully counteract threats from certain drones. New developments usually include improved direction finders, detection and powerful suppression systems, as well as integrated algorithms that allow us to respond to drones of various types.

— How can electronic warfare (EW) be used to counteract kamikaze drones?

— Electronic warfare (EW) is an effective means of countering kamikaze drones such as Shahed and Lancet. Electronic warfare (EW) involves the use of radio signals to disrupt communication between the drone and the operator, as well as to interfere with the operation of the drone’s control systems. This causes the drone to lose control or change course, preventing it from successfully completing its mission. Other techniques, such as GPS signal jamming, the use of jamming signals, and drone detection and interception systems, can also be used.

— Moscow has been reporting massive attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian territory for the past few months. How can UAVs fly such a long distance and not be shot down by Russian air defense?

— According to our estimates, Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles are among the best in the world. The programs being developed by the Ukrainian government are significantly contributing to the acceleration of the development and production of UAVs in the country. Issues related to the flight range and the possibility of shooting down UAVs depend on the specific characteristics of drones and air defense systems. Some modern UAVs can fly considerable distances and have sophisticated air defense evasion systems. However, modern air defense systems are also actively developing and improving, including effective means of detecting and intercepting drones. The final result depends on the balance between the capabilities of drones and air defense systems.

— A drone strike on the Kremlin dome. Is this a Russian production or the skill of those who launched it and were able to bypass Russian electronic warfare and air defense systems?

— I cannot comment on specific incidents or allegations related to drone or electronic warfare operations. However, it is important to note that the development and use of electronic warfare requires a certain level of knowledge, technical skill, and understanding of the technologies. Any successful circumvention methods or vulnerabilities in electronic warfare may be the result of the high qualifications of the individuals who carried out the attack, or the technical features of the systems used. The exact cause and source of the attack must be carefully analyzed and investigated. In terms of technology, there are a number of companies in Ukraine that we are familiar with. And the level of their products allows for such operations.

— How do you see the development of electronic warfare in Ukraine? Can Ukrainian developers reach the international level, what is needed for this?

— We observe significant potential for the development of electronic warfare in Ukraine. Ukrainian developers have deep knowledge and many years of experience in the field of electronics, telecommunications and information security. To achieve an international level, it is important to continue investing in research and development, attract talented specialists and establish close cooperation with international partners. It is also important to actively promote quality and safety standards, as well as participate in international forums and exhibitions to demonstrate achievements and attract the attention of the international community.

— What are the prospects for electronic warfare in peacetime?

— Electronic warfare in peacetime is used by police and state security agencies to prevent interference in private life, illegal drone flights over hazardous and strategic facilities, and to perform other peaceful tasks related to the regulation of the use of drones and UAVs. In today’s digital world, where more and more tasks and processes depend on electronics and communications, electronic warfare is becoming an integral part of the security and defense strategy.

— What are your company’s future plans for work in Ukraine?

— Our strategic plans for the future provide for the active development and expansion of our activities in Ukraine. We are aimed at deepening cooperation with Ukrainian partners and promoting the development of the electronic warfare market in the country. We also plan significant investments in education and support of local specialists in order to increase the level of expertise and developments in Ukraine.