Thales Readies Storm 2 Wearable Counter-Drone Jammer

Key Takeaways

• 2 kg wearable jammer for individual soldiers.
• Reactive jamming activates only on detected RF threats.
• Covers 20 MHz‑6 GHz, targeting common drone bands.
• Up to 10 W output, ~4 hour battery life.
• Enables dispersed troops to counter drones without heavy gear.

Pulse Analysis

The rapid diffusion of commercial drones has reshaped the battlefield, giving adversaries a low‑cost means to conduct surveillance, deliver payloads, or trigger improvised explosive devices. Traditional electronic‑countermeasure solutions are vehicle‑mounted or bulky man‑packs, limiting their utility for infantry operating in small, mobile units. Thales’ Storm 2 addresses this gap by delivering a compact, soldier‑wearable jammer that aligns with the growing demand for individual‑level counter‑UAS capability across NATO and partner forces.

Storm 2’s technical edge lies in its software‑defined radio architecture, which spans a broad 20 MHz‑6 GHz spectrum to engage the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ISM bands commonly used by commercial drones, as well as less‑standard frequencies employed in adaptive threat tactics. The reactive‑jamming approach keeps the device dormant until hostile emissions are detected, slashing power consumption and reducing the unit’s electromagnetic signature. With up to 10 watts of output and an estimated four‑hour battery endurance, the system balances effective jamming radius with a lightweight two‑kilogram form factor, markedly lighter than legacy man‑packs.

Operationally, Storm 2 enables infantry squads to maintain electronic protection without sacrificing maneuverability, a critical advantage in contemporary conflicts where forces are often dispersed, as seen in Ukraine’s recent engagements. By decentralising electronic warfare, armies can mitigate single‑point failures and integrate jamming capability directly into existing soldier systems. The ongoing trials and expressed interest from multiple armed forces suggest that wearable EW solutions like Storm 2 will become a staple of future soldier kits, driving a broader shift toward modular, on‑the‑move electronic defense.