Originating from Russian Ministry of Defense counter-UAV trials, the most recent version of the LOKMAS (the com[any that produces it) “Stupor” Counter-UAV device was on display at ARMY 2017. Hrachya wrote about the prototypes of this device back in April of this year. It has an effective range of 650 meters, and a somewhat less reliable range of 650 to 850 meters and can run 4 hours and 40 minutes while being charged with either a 12 Volt or 220 Volt connection. It can suppress both GPS (L1, L2, L3) and Wi-Fi signals (2.4 GHz, 5.8 GH). Currently, the drone is undergoing military tests and evaluations, of which a recent article was written about here. Apparently, the outcome of the tests was that it was favorable, but we don’t know if the device is going to be adopted as of yet.

Compared to Kalashnikov Concern’s device, this “Stupor” appears to be huge, coming with much less technology capability. For example, while this device can block GPS and Wi-Fi signals, Kalashnikov Concern’s REX-1 adds the ability to block both Russian and Chinese GPS systems, in addition to specifically forcing a drone to emergency land, thereby taking the UAV out of an enemies inventory and capturing it for further intelligence value. Not to mention, this “Stupor” takes up an enormous amount of space, thereby possibly confining it to the storage units of a vehicle, and limiting its use by ground troops.

What this appears to be an example of, is a similar phenomenon that the U.S. Military experiences all the time. And that is that with digital technology, because governments are so bureaucratic, it takes much longer to get funds approved, work completed, etc… because of the slow process. So when the device actually becomes operational, it is outdated, overweight, and possibly not even relevant anymore compared to commercial development which doesn’t have to go through all those loops.

Thanks to Hrachya for translating the Russian on this!