Russian forces have been jamming US drones in Syrian airspace affecting US military operations in the war-torn country, NBC News reported on April 10 citing four US officials.
NBC News reports (source):
The Russians began jamming some smaller U.S. drones several weeks ago, the officials said, after a series of suspected chemical weapons attacks on civilians in rebel-held eastern Ghouta. The Russian military was concerned the U.S. military would retaliate for the attacks and began jamming the GPS systems of drones operating in the area, the officials explained.
The Defense Department will not say whether the jamming is causing drones to crash, citing operational security. “The U.S. military maintains sufficient countermeasures and protections to ensure the safety of our manned and unmanned aircraft, our forces and the missions they support,” said Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon.
But one official confirmed the tactic is having an operational impact on U.S. military operations in Syria.
According to the sources, the Russian equipment is very sophisticated, proving effective even against some encrypted signals and anti-jamming receivers.
However, the jamming has so far impacted only surveillance aircraft. US Unmanned aerial combat vehicle like Predators and Reapers have not been affected so far.
NBC News’ report came as the administration of US President Donald Trump is considerng a military option against the Syrian government in response to the alleged chemical attack in the town of Douma. If the attack endanger Russian forces deployed across Syria, Moscow may be forced to response by military measures. MORE HERE
