In Afghanistan, our troops are repeatedly targeted by Drones. Although the Drones used are cheap, readily available aircraft with no offensive capability (yet), they are utilised to provide insurgents intelligence to use to carry explosives or weaponry.
Due to their small size and manoeuvrability, drones are notoriously difficult to shoot down conventionally. Cumbersome equipment such as a signal jammer could be utilised but is either unavailable to deploy and use quickly enough before the drone leaves or precise enough to knockout the drone without interfering with other Military communication systems.
Well, enter the AR-15. US soldiers have been kitted out with the AR-15 in New Kabul. The system looks like a rifle with an antenna stuck to the front, allowing it to be precisely aimed at the offending drone. With a range of 1,300ft a drone can be precisely jammed and disabled, allowing it to fall to the ground without the additional risk of ordinance being shot all over the place.
Over the last 2 years, there have been 68 drone sightings where 150 British troops are based. Although its no0t clear if the drones are being used by civilians or insurgents, it’s a concern for our troop’s welfare. With Islamic State already using camera drones armed with grenades in Iraq to target refugees, it is a serious concern.
Several Drone Defenders are now stationed on the base from the 82nd Airborne Division who are trained to use the Radio Wave Rifle which I’m sure provides some relief to the British Troops stationed there!