The Polyn-Plus system represents an effort not merely to jam, but to essentially divert a drone from its course. The station generates false navigation signals, replacing actual GPS coordinates. When the drone enters the system's operational zone, it begins "reading" not satellite data, but data provided by the electronic warfare (EW) operator.
The operator can then direct the unmanned aircraft to a safe area or toward interception assets. The range reaches 15 kilometers, while multiple stations can operate as a network. Manufacturers claim that "Polyn" also affects stabilization systems, making it difficult to resist even under manual control. In essence, it is a weapon that does not "blind" the drone's eyes but affects its "brain."
From jamming to spoofing: The evolution of electronic warfare
Until recently, the primary tool of electronic warfare was "spectrum occupation" through noisy jamming, which led drones to signal loss or a dormant state. However, this method has disadvantages: it creates a strong radio signature for the opponent, and its effectiveness depends on how much the drone relies on GPS.
Modern UAV manufacturers have begun incorporating autonomous systems and inertial navigation, allowing drones to maintain their course even without GPS. Spoofing, therefore, is considered the inevitable response to the evolution of drones.
Jamming versus deception: Two different philosophies
Classic jamming works with "brute force": the GPS signal is masked by noise, the drone loses its orientation and either crashes or returns to its starting point, if programmed to do so. In contrast, spoofing is based on deception.
The system emits a clear and stronger signal than actual satellite signals, causing the drone's receiver to "believe" it is receiving correct information. In reality, however, it is being led to wrong coordinates. Experts consider this method one of the most dangerous and sophisticated electronic warfare techniques.
The use of spoofing on the battlefield
Both sides have actively adopted the technique in the field of operations. Ukrainian forces have used spoofing to divert Russian drones, even returning "Geran" type drones toward Russia and Belarus, calling the practice "military cashback."
The technique is also used to mislead guided bombs with UMPC systems through the interference and replacement of satellite signals. The Polyn-Plus system is part of this new generation of electronic warfare tools.
The evolution of electronic warfare: From 2022 to 2026
Phase 1: Classic Jamming (2022–2023) Use of portable systems to jam commercial drones such as DJI and FPV. Goal: disruption of control and video feed.
Phase 2: Spoofing Scenarios (2024) Appearance of the first systems that replace satellite navigation in kamikaze drones. Systems like "Kaspersky Lab" and "Pokrova" belong to this period.
Phase 3: Automated Adaptive Spoofing (2025–2026) Systems like Polyn-Plus do not just mimic signals but actively determine the drone's diversion target. Dynamic fields of false navigation are created in real-time.
The next stage: Multi-layered deception
The next level of evolution is expected to include multiple zones with shifting coordinates, creating complete disorientation of the drone. This is now considered a form of cyberattack on the navigation software.
The limits of spoofing: Inertial navigation
Inertial navigation (IMU) does not rely on external signals. However, it presents a "drift" problem, with error accumulation over distances. New systems with fiber optics and smaller errors are already being developed, while Rostecis working on navigation technologies without satellites. This means that systems like Polyn-Plus may become less effective in the future.
New factor: Starlink and resilient satellite communication
Starlink is changing the rules of the game, offering satellite communication that is difficult to jam with classic EW means. Ukrainian companies like VYRIY and Russian offices like "Valkyria" are integrating Starlink into UAVs, creating new forms of operational resilience.
However, systems have also appeared that attempt to counter Starlink, such as "Kometa," which activates satellite channels only at critical stages of an attack.
The future of electronic warfare
According to military analyst Yuri Lyamin, there is no absolute protection. The evolution of drones with artificial intelligence and autonomous navigation makes defense increasingly complex.
Effective response requires multi-layered defense, combining reconnaissance, fire, and electronic warfare. Polyn-Plus is not a "magic solution" but part of a broader system. It represents the transition from brute jamming to "smart" electronic warfare, where deception replaces force. However, the rapid evolution of inertial navigation and autonomous dronesshows that the conflict is evolving into a race between AI systems, where the one who manages to "deceive" the opponent more effectively will prevail.
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