Thales is making drone defense more portable and lightweight with STORM 2, a soldier-worn system built to protect troops from uncrewed aerial threats.
Originally developed to shield soldiers from improvised explosive devices, the tool has evolved into a localized counter-drone solution that can jam frequencies across 20 Megahertz to 6 Gigahertz.
Weighing under 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds), the system minimizes physical strain on soldiers while acting as a cyber and electromagnetic activities (CEMA) node.
Its software-based radio and processor make it a flexible platform, covering both legacy and modern drone threats.
An open architecture allows allied partners to build custom tools and expand its capabilities beyond a single-purpose jammer.
“You’ll be able to ask and answer questions like: Have I detected a drone video transmitter or a combat net radio? What type of combat net radio might that be? Am I able to determine whether it’s running a frequency hopping cycle,” Thales Product Manager Timothy Coley said.
Balancing Power Output
Wide-frequency jamming comes with trade-offs: increased power output raises the risk of the device itself being detected.
STORM 2 mitigates this with a 10-watt power output and reactive jamming, activating only when needed.
“Reactive jamming doesn’t have the same power consumption and signature as an active jammer that’s sending out [radio frequency] signals constantly,” Coley stated.
“It’ll spring to life only when it needs to, saving battery life while keeping soldiers inconspicuous until the critical moment when the threat manifests.”
STORM 2 will make its public debut at the Future Soldier 2026 event in London, highlighting a new era of portable electronic warfare against drones.
