Low-Cost Jamming Solutions within Contested Radio Frequency Environments

Modern warfare requires the use, control and dominance of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum has become a critical domain for military operations. With the increasing reliance on wireless communications and electronic systems, the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic warfare (EW) and cyber options requires new solutions to help maintain this dominance. The aim of Paul and Moeiini’s research is to investigate the viability and effectiveness of employing a low-cost jamming solution, known as low-cost kitten (LCK), to enhance cyber-EM activities (CEMA) within contested radio frequency (RF) environments. 

LCK is a cost-effective variant of GTRI’s Angry Kitten electronic attack system that enables dynamic jamming of RF transmissions. LCK uses simple and cheap commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, and with only small modification, operates within the RF band of ground-based army systems. This provides EW capability to army units that currently do not have this capability. This research also became part of a summer 2024 GTRI Research Internship Project (GRIP), known as Command Post Kitten developed entirely at the Warner Robins field office. GRIP is sponsored by GTRI’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer. The focus here was on the development, testing, and evaluation of the LCK in CEMA operational environments, considering factors of affordability, portability, and adaptability for various operational scenarios.