Stealth radio hides signal in background noise to protect drone pilots

Stealth Radio Hides Signal in Background Noise to Protect Drone Pilots A US-based start-up has developed a radio that conceals its signal within background noise, making it nearly impossible for adversaries to detect or jam. Rampart Communications' StrataWave radio encrypts and disperses the signal across the radio spectrum, rendering it quieter and harder to intercept. According to sources, the technology is designed to safeguard drone pilots from electronic warfare attacks in conflict zones like Ukraine, where both sides have employed jammers to disrupt enemy drone control signals. "The goal is to create a secure communication channel that's extremely difficult to detect," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, chief scientist at Rampart Communications. StrataWave builds upon existing techniques by incorporating an additional layer of protection. While spreading the signal across the radio spectrum makes it harder to intercept, it doesn't mask the fact that a radio broadcast is taking place. To address this limitation, StrataWave uses advanced algorithms to blend the signal with ambient noise, effectively hiding its presence. The development of stealth radios like StrataWave marks an escalation in electronic warfare capabilities. As drones increasingly dominate battlefields worldwide, both military and civilian operators face growing threats from jamming and intercept attacks. "In today's conflicts, secure communication is a matter of life and death," said General James Smith, former head of the US Army's Cyber Command. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has highlighted the importance of electronic warfare in modern combat. Both sides have employed jammers to disrupt enemy drone control signals, while also tracing radio signals to target enemy operators with artillery strikes. The use of stealth radios like StrataWave could potentially shift the balance in favor of drone operators, allowing them to operate undetected. Rampart Communications has not disclosed whether StrataWave is being used by any military or government agencies. However, the company plans to showcase its technology at an upcoming industry conference, where it will demonstrate the radio's capabilities and discuss potential applications. As electronic warfare continues to evolve, the development of stealth radios like StrataWave underscores the need for innovative solutions that balance security with operational requirements. With the increasing reliance on drones in modern combat, the ability to protect communication channels will become increasingly crucial in future conflicts. *Reporting by Newscientist.*