The Future of Modern Defense with GaN Technology

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, traditional military strategies are being reshaped by the rapid advancement of technology. One area that has gained immense significance is Electronic Warfare (EW) and jamming systems.

As more and more global conflicts continue to unfold, the need for advanced, reliable, and scalable defense technologies has become more apparent. EW systems, particularly drone jamming systems, are now considered essential for maintaining superiority on the battlefield. This article delves into the different types of electronic warfare and jamming methods, emphasizing the role of drone jamming systems, and discusses how the defense industry is shifting toward autonomous systems. Moreover, it explores the growing demand for GaN components, and how RFHIC’s GaN amplifiers can play a pivotal role in developing modern EW and jamming technologies.

 

Various Types of Electronic Warfare

Electronic warfare encompasses a range of tactics aimed at using the electromagnetic spectrum to gain an advantage over adversaries. There are three primary types of EW:

  1. Electronic Attack (EA): EA involves offensive operations designed to degrade or deny an adversary's use of the electromagnetic spectrum. This can include jamming radar, communications, or GPS signals to disrupt enemy coordination.
  2. Electronic Protection (EP): EP focuses on safeguarding friendly forces' ability to use the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes the development of resilient communication systems and signal encryption to counter EA tactics.
  3. Electronic Support (ES): ES refers to the collection of intelligence through the monitoring and analysis of electromagnetic signals. It plays a crucial role in identifying potential threats and gathering information on enemy systems and capabilities.

Among these types, jamming systems have become a focal point in electronic warfare strategies due to their effectiveness in neutralizing adversarial drones.

Jamming Methods in Electronic Warfare

Jamming involves deliberate interference with enemy signals to deny or degrade their communication, radar, or GPS capabilities. Several jamming methods are employed in electronic warfare:

1. Communication Jammers

  • Purpose: Disrupt enemy communications
  • Types: Barrage jammers, Spot jammers, Sweep jammers
  • Applications: Military communications, cell phones, radios
  • Market Size: Global milcom jammers market was valued at over $2B in 2022, driven by defense modernization programs and conflict areas

2. Radar Jammers

    • Purpose: Interfere with radar systems
    • Types: Noise jammers, Deception jammers, Inverse gain jammers
    • Applications: Air defense systems, weather radars, surveillance radars
    • Market Size: The radar jamming, and deception market is estimated at $3.5 B by 2025, with significant investments in anti-radar technology for air and missile defense systems

3. GPS Jammers

  • Purpose: Disrupt GPS signals
  • Types: a. Narrowband jammers: Target specific GPS frequencies
  • Wideband jammers: Cover multiple GPS bands
  • Applications: Navigation systems, precision-guided munitions
  • Market Size: The GPS jamming, and anti-jamming market is projected to reach $4.5 B by 2027

4. Drone Jammers

  • Purpose: Disable or disrupt unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
  • Types: RF jammers, GPS jammers
  • Applications: Counter-drone operations, critical infrastructure protection
  • Market Size: The anti-drone market, which includes jammers, is forecast to grow $2.9B by 2026, driven by increasing drone threats to public safety and military assets.

5. IED Jammers

  • Purpose: Prevent remote detonation of improvised explosive devices
  • Types: Reactive jammers, Preemptive jammers
  • Applications: Convoy protection, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations
  • Market Size: The counter-IED market, which includes jamming solutions, is expected to exceed $2B by 2025, spurred by military operations in conflict zones and homeland security needs.

6. Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Jammers

  • Purpose: Generate high-power electromagnetic pulses to damage electronic systems
  • Types: Nuclear EMP, Non-nuclear EMP
  • Applications: Strategic warfare, disabling electronic infrastructure
  • Market Size: The EMP weapons market, including jammers, is projected to grow to $3B by 2026, as countries focus on developing strategic, non-lethal weapons.

7. Infrared Jammers

  • Purpose: Confuse or overwhelm infrared-guided weapons and sensors
  • Types: Flares: Pyrotechnic decoys, Directed Energy Countermeasures (DIRCM)
  • Applications: Aircraft and vehicle protection against heat-seeking missiles
  • Market Size: The infrared countermeasures market, including jammers, is projected to reach $1.8B by 2025, driven by aircraft defense systems and the increased use of heat-seeking missile countermeasures.

 

milcom-defense-commercial-satellite-communications-rfhic-1

The Booming Autonomous Industry

With ongoing and increasing global conflicts have highlighted the growing reliance on autonomous systems in warfare. Autonomous systems, particularly drones, offer several advantages over traditional manned vehicles. They are smaller, cheaper, easier to produce, and, most importantly, replaceable. Unlike manned vehicles that require significant investment in production and training, autonomous systems can be manufactured and deployed rapidly. This shift from small-quantity, high-cost, manned systems to large-quantity, low-cost, autonomous systems is transforming the defense industry.

Autonomous systems, however, come with their own set of challenges, particularly the need for effective EW and jamming solutions. Since autonomous drones and vehicles rely heavily on communication systems for navigation and control, jamming their signals can render them ineffective. This makes electronic warfare a critical aspect of future military operations.

 

The Role of GaN Components in EW and Jamming Systems

As the defense industry moves towards smaller, more autonomous systems, the demand for compact and efficient electronic components has grown significantly. Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology has emerged as a game-changer in this space, particularly for EW and jamming applications. GaN-based components, such as power amplifiers and wideband amplifiers, offer several advantages over traditional components:

1. Higher Efficiency: GaN amplifiers provide higher efficiency, converting more input power into useful RF output. This makes them ideal for jamming applications that require high power output over wide frequency ranges.

2. Smaller Size: GaN amplifiers are smaller and lighter than their silicon counterparts, making them perfect for integration into compact and portable EW systems, including drone jammers.

3. Wider Bandwidth: GaN technology supports wideband operation, allowing a single GaN amplifier to cover multiple frequency bands. This is particularly useful in modern jamming systems, which must be able to target a variety of frequencies used by enemy systems.

4. Durability and Reliability: GaN amplifiers are highly reliable and can operate under extreme conditions, making them suitable for military applications in harsh environments.

 

RFHIC’s GaN Solid-State Amplifiers for EW and Jamming Applications

RFHIC is at the forefront of GaN technology, providing advanced GaN-based solutions for a wide range of EW and jamming applications. RFHIC’s GaN amplifiers offer unmatched performance in terms of efficiency, size, and power output. These amplifiers are specifically designed for high-power, wideband EW and jamming systems, making them an excellent choice for both defense and commercial applications.

 

1. Wideband Power Amplifiers: RFHIC’s wideband GaN power amplifiers are ideal for jamming systems that need to cover multiple frequencies simultaneously. Their compact size and high-power output make them a perfect fit for drone jamming systems and other portable EW applications.

Part Number

Frequency Min (MHz)

Frequency Max (MHz)

Output Power (W/kW)

POUT (dBm)

Gain (dB)

Dimensions W X H X D (mm)
RWS03020-11 20 450 19 40 40 58 X 15 X 32
RWP03040-50 20 500 40 46 39 70 X 50.8 X 17.1
RWO03160-10 20 500 160 52 43 120 X 65 X 16.7
RWS02520-10 20 512 20 43 41 63 X 38 X 14.4
RWS02540-10 20 512 40 46 44 63 X 38 X 14.4
RWP03060-10 20 512 80 49 38 72 X 50.8 X 16.8
RWP03040-10 20 520 40 46 42 70 X 50.8 X 17.3
RWM03060-10 20 520 80 49 55 162.6 X 86.4 X 27
RWM03125-10 20 520 125 51 55 162.6 X 86.4 X 27
RWP03160-2R 20 800 150 51.8 41.8 120 X 65 X 16.7
RWP05020-10 20 1000 20 43 40 70 X 50.8 X 17.3
RWP05040-10 20 1000 40 46 38 70 X 50.8 X 17.3
RFW2500H10-28 20 2500 4 36 17 38 X 50.8 X 12.5
RWM03125-20 50 520 125 51 55 162.6 X 86.4 X 27
RWS02520-1K 100 600 20 43 46 63 X 38 X 14.4

RWP0106300-55

 100 600 300 54.8 55 310 X 50 X 165

RWM05080-10

 200 470 100 50 40 160 X 23 X 135

 

2. High-Power GaN Amplifiers: For more demanding applications, RFHIC offers high-power GaN amplifiers that deliver exceptional performance in terms of power output and efficiency. These amplifiers are built to withstand the rigors of military operations, ensuring reliable performance in the field.

Part Numer Statis Band Min Freq. (MHz) Max Freq. (MHz) Type Typ Output Power (W) Power Gain (dB) PAE (%) VDC
RRP2425100-50 Sample Available S-band 2400 2500 Pallet 100 50 45 32
PRM29060-4S Sample Available S-band 2700 3100 PP-3G 68 34 61 48
RRP33250-11 Production S-band 3100 3500 Pallet 250 31 40 50
RRP3135080-37A Sample Available S-band 3100 3500 Pallet 90 37 40 50
RRP3135080-37 Sample Available S-band 3100 3500 Pallet 90 37 40 50
RRP291K0-10 Production S-band 2700 3100 Module 1100 61 35 50
RRP2731330-09 Sample Available S-band 2700 3100 Pallet 400 9 55 50
RRP2735160-35 Sample Available S-band 2700 3100 Pallet 180 35 40 50
RRO27311K0-22 Sample Available S-band 2700 3500 Pallet 1000 22 45 50
RRP2731080-39 Sample Available S-band 2700 3100 Pallet 100 39 42 50
RRP2731200-08 Sample Available S-band 2700 3100 Pallet 250 8 55 38
RRP27371K5-30 Sample Available S-band 2700 3700 Pallet 1500 31 37 50

 

Part Numer Statis Band Min Freq. (MHz) Max Freq. (MHz) Type Typ Output Power (W) Power Gain (dB) PAE (%) VDC
RRP578065-40 Sample Available C-band 5725 5850 Pallet 80 40 40 32
RRP52571K0-41 Sample Available C-band 5250 5750 Module 1200 41 60 50
RRP54591K2-42 Production C-band 5400 5900 Module 1200 42 35 50
RRP54591K3-43 Sample Available C-band 5400 5899 Module 1300 43 35 50
RRP56571K0-42 Sample Available C-band 5600 5700 Module 1200 42 35 50
RRP54592K4-24 Sample Available C-band 5400 5900 Pallet 2400 24 30 50
RRP56570R5-28 Sample Available C-band 5600 5700 Pallet 0.6 28 - 50
RRP56572K4-24 Sample Available C-band 5600 5700 Pallet 2400 24 60 50
RRP52591K2-42 Sample Available C-band 5200 5900 Pallet 1260 42 35 50
RRP5459015-42 Sample Available C-band 5400 5900 Pallet 15 42 - 50

 

3. High-Power Microwave Generators: For direct energy weapon applications, RFHIC offers high power, continuous wave (CW) GaN solid-state microwave generator systems that deliver directed energy to damage or destroy enemy equipment.

RIK2512K-40TG_H / 12kW, 2.45GHz

rfhic-12kW-2400-2500-mhz-gan-solid-state-microwave-generator-rik2512k-40tg

RIK2524K-40TG / 24kw, 2450MHz

rfhic-24kW-2400-2500-MHz-GaN-Solid-State-Microwave-Generator-RIK2524K-40TG

 

 

 

RIK1330K-40TG / 30kW,915MHz
 

 

 

 

RIK0960K0-40TDG / 60kW, 915MHz
 

rfhic-12kW-2400-2500-mhz-gan-solid-state-microwave-generator-rik0960k0-40tg

 

In addition to off-the-shelf products, RFHIC provides custom GaN amplifier solutions specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of EW and jamming systems.

What sets RFHIC apart is our ability to offer a one-stop GaN solution advantage, allowing us to design, develop, and manufacture everything from the GaN device itself to the complete system, all within our in-house production facility. This vertical integration not only ensures rapid customization and flexibility but also guarantees the highest quality control at every stage of production, enabling us to deliver optimized solutions for even the most demanding defense applications.

rfhic-one-stop-solution

 

The Future of Defense: EW and Jamming Systems

The future of defense lies in the continued development of electronic warfare and jamming systems. As autonomous systems become more prevalent on the battlefield, the ability to disrupt enemy communications, radar, and GPS systems will be critical to maintaining a strategic advantage. The shift from large, expensive, and manned systems to smaller, cheaper, and autonomous systems is driving the demand for compact and efficient EW solutions.

RFHIC’s GaN wideband amplifiers are playing a pivotal role in this transformation by providing the necessary components to build powerful, scalable, and reliable jamming systems. As the defense industry adapts to the demands of modern warfare, GaN technology will continue to be at the forefront of electronic warfare innovations.

 

Conclusion

Electronic warfare and jamming systems are set to redefine the future of military power. With the rise of autonomous systems, particularly drones, the need for advanced EW solutions is more urgent than ever. The defense industry is rapidly shifting towards smaller, more affordable, and easily replaceable systems, and GaN technology is at the heart of this evolution.

RFHIC’s GaN amplifiers offer the performance, efficiency, and scalability needed to meet the challenges of modern warfare, making them an essential component of the next generation of EW and jamming systems. As countries continue to adapt to the changing battlefield, electronic warfare will remain a key element in maintaining military superiority.

Also, please take a look at our standardized product catalog to see if any of our off-the-shelf products meet your urgent demands.

 

 

To learn more about RFHIC’s GaN wideband amplifiers, please fill out the form below.

 

Reference

  1. Hwang et al., "The Role of Electronic Warfare in Modern Military Operations," Defense Technology Journal, 2023.
  2. Lee, "The Growing Importance of Drone Jamming Systems in Electronic Warfare," Military Electronics Review, 2022.
  3. Johnson, "GaN Technology in Defense Applications," Journal of Advanced Defense Systems, 2022.
  4. Patel, "The Shift Towards Autonomous Systems in Modern Warfare," Global Defense Review, 2023.
  5. Agrawal, "Developments in Gallium Nitride Amplifiers for EW Applications," Journal of RF and Microwave Technology, 2021.
  6. Huang, "Electronic Attack: An Overview of Techniques and Technologies," International Journal of Electronic Warfare, 2021.
  7. Nakamura, "Wideband Jamming Techniques: Current Trends and Future Directions," Journal of Defense Electronics, 2022.
  8. Roy, "The Impact of GaN Amplifiers on Military EW Systems," Microwave Journal, 2023.
  9. Allied Market Research, "Global Market for GaN Components in Military Applications," Market Research Report, 2023.
  10. Defense Technology Insights, "The Future of Drone Warfare and Electronic Jamming," Defense Technology Insights, 2023.