Pakistan Unveils SAFRAH Indigenous Drone Jamming Gun
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's defense industry has unveiled a major advancement in its electronic warfare capabilities with the introduction of the SAFRAH Drone Jamming Gun, an indigenously developed counter-drone weapon. The system, developed by the National Electronics Complex of Pakistan (NECOP) and showcased by Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), is a non-kinetic "soft kill" solution designed to neutralize the growing threat of hostile commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The SAFRAH is a man-portable, rifle-style jammer that can disrupt the communication and navigation systems of drones from up to 1.5 kilometers away, forcing them to land or return to their operator. According to an official brochure, the system is already "in use with Pakistan Defence Forces & LEAs" (Law Enforcement Agencies), marking its transition from a prototype to a field-tested, operational piece of military hardware.
What is a Drone Jamming Gun? The "Soft Kill" Advantage
To understand the importance of the SAFRAH, it's essential to understand the concept of a "soft kill" weapon. In modern security, countermeasures are often divided into two categories: "Hard Kill" (physically destroying a threat) and "Soft Kill" (neutralizing a threat without physical destruction). Drone jamming guns are a prime example of a soft kill system.
They use focused radio frequency (RF) signals to disrupt a drone's internal systems, effectively disabling it without causing it to explode or crash violently. This makes them the ideal countermeasure for urban areas, over crowds, or near critical infrastructure where collateral damage is a major concern.
How SAFRAH Works
The SAFRAH drone jammer is a sophisticated piece of electronic warfare equipment designed to target the specific vulnerabilities of commercial drones by broadcasting powerful interfering signals on the key frequency bands that drones rely on to operate: the 1.5 GHz (GPS), 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz bands.
When fired at a hostile drone, it emits high-power signals (30W per band) that overwhelm the drone's receivers. This action "cuts off all communication between the drone and the controller," disabling the UAV's ability to receive commands or send back video. The drone's fail-safe protocol is then triggered, forcing it to either land immediately or return to its point of origin. The system is also capable of jamming drones that use advanced techniques like frequency hopping.
Key Features and Design
- Ergonomic Design: The system is built into a rifle-style frame, weighing approximately 9 kilograms, ensuring it is man-portable.
- Long-Range Targeting: It is equipped with an optical scope with up to 9x zoom, allowing the operator to accurately target drones up to its maximum effective range of 1500 meters.
- Extended Endurance: The gun is powered by two swappable batteries, providing up to 40 minutes of continuous operation, sufficient to engage 70 to 80 drones.
- Rugged and Reliable: The SAFRAH is designed to operate in a wide range of environmental conditions, from -10°C to +55°C.
SAFRAH Drone Jamming Gun: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | SAFRAH Drone Jamming Gun / Drone Jammer |
| Developer | NECOP (National Electronics Complex of Pakistan) |
| Primary Function | A "soft kill" solution to stop hostile commercial drones by forcing them to land or abort their mission. |
| Jamming Frequencies | 1560-1620 MHz 2400-2500 MHz 5725-5875 MHz |
| Effective Range | Up to 1500 meters |
| Output Power | 30 Watts per band |
| Operational Endurance | 40 minutes of continuous use on a single battery (sufficient for 70-80 engagements). |
| Optics | Optical Scope with up to 9x zoom. |
| Power Source | Two swappable batteries (220V AC Power Supply). |
| Weight | Approximately 9 kg (without tripod). |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +55°C |
| Current Status | In use with Pakistan Defence Forces & Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). |
| Applications | Border Security, Perimeter Security, Airport Security, VIP/Assets Movements, Event Coverage. |
Strategic Importance: A Critical Tool for Modern Security
The development of SAFRAH is a direct response to the evolving security landscape, where the malicious use of cheap, commercially available drones has become a major threat for surveillance, smuggling, and potential terrorist attacks.
The SAFRAH provides an agile and effective countermeasure for a wide range of security applications, including border security, airport security, protecting VIP movements, and securing public events. The fact that it is already in use with Pakistan's Defence Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies is a testament to its effectiveness.
Being an indigenously developed system is its most significant strategic advantage. It means Pakistan is not reliant on foreign suppliers, which reduces costs, ensures the system can be maintained locally, and allows for customization. It also positions Pakistan as a potential exporter of high-tech defense equipment in the rapidly growing global counter-drone market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the SAFRAH Drone Jamming Gun?
SAFRAH is an indigenously developed drone jamming solution from the National Electronics Complex of Pakistan (NECOP). It is a non-kinetic, "soft kill" weapon designed to stop the operations of hostile commercial drones, forcing them to land or abort their mission[cite: 1166].
2. How does the SAFRAH gun stop a drone?
It works by cutting off all communication between the drone and its operator. It emits high-power signals that jam the drone's command, control, and navigation frequencies (1.5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz), disabling its ability to receive commands or send back video, which forces it to land or return home
3. What is the effective range of the SAFRAH jammer?
The SAFRAH gun has a powerful jamming range of up to 1500 meters (1.5 kilometers).
4. How long does the battery last?
The system uses two swappable batteries.A single battery provides enough power for 40 minutes of continuous operation, which is sufficient to engage 70 to 80 drones.
5. Is the SAFRAH system currently in use?
Yes, according to the official brochure, the SAFRAH Drone Jamming Gun is already in operational use with the Pakistan Defence Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).