The French company Microwave Characterization Center (MC2) Technologies has supplied the Ivorian government with its Nerod RF counter-drone system (C-UAS). The Nerod RF is a portable C-UAS solution that addresses the growing threat posed by drones, which can infiltrate private, state, and military infrastructures. This was observed during the ceremonies and parades on August 7, the day of independence and national celebration in Côte d'Ivoire.
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Ivorian Gendarmerie operating french-made Nerod RF anti-drone jammers (Picture source: Ivorian TV boradcaster RTI1)

Designed to counter the threat of commercial drones, the NEROD RF can be easily deployed in operational environments or for event security. It is capable of transmitting on seven frequency bands, independently or simultaneously, generating powerful jamming signals against all sophisticated communication protocols used for drone piloting, including those controlled by individuals or via satellite when the autopilot is activated. The NEROD RF's emission cone allows it to be used without precise targeting of the threat, ensuring broad-spectrum neutralization.

The Nerod RF works by generating noise signals at the radio frequencies (RF) used by hostile drones. The C-UAS can transmit signals on seven frequency bands independently or simultaneously, including 400 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz. Nerod RF can also jam the L1 and L2 signals of the Global Positioning System (GPS), thereby disrupting a drone's flight. The GPS L1 signal operates at a frequency of 1,575.42 MHz, while L2 operates at a frequency of 1,227.60 MHz.

While the Nerod RF can jam GPS within a range of 2 km, the system's RF jamming range depends on the distance between the drone and its operator, said Gaquière. If the distance between the drone and its operator is 1 km, Nerod RF will be able to jam the drone's RF signals at a distance of 3 to 5 km. The proliferation of drone technology across Africa has significantly expanded humanitarian and military operations. However, as an emerging technology on the continent, when in the hands of non-state armed groups, it poses a significant threat.

The Ivorian military also operates another type of anti-UAS system in the form of FIELDctrl 3D MIMO radars from Advanced Protection Systems (APS). In April 2022, the Polish surveillance company Advanced Protection Systems partnered with the Côte d'Ivoire Special Forces to provide the force with its FIELDctrl 3D MIMO radars.

The portable, soldier-deployed version of Advanced Protection Systems serves as an anti-drone solution. It is designed to detect, track, and classify Low-Slow-Small (LSS) devices, as well as larger threats and ground targets.

French Soldier with Nerod RF during olympics in Paris ( Picture source : French MoD) 

As drones become increasingly accessible and affordable, their use has seen exponential growth across the African continent. While drones have many beneficial applications, including in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response, they are also used by non-state actors for illicit activities, which poses significant security challenges.

Non-state actors, including insurgent groups, terrorists, and criminal organizations, use drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and weapon delivery. Despite the growing threat posed by drones in Africa, many African armies have failed to implement adequate solutions to combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), leaving security forces vulnerable to emerging threats.

The proliferation of drones in Africa is driven by several factors. First, drones are becoming more affordable and accessible, with a wide range of models available on the market at different price levels. This has made it easier for non-state actors to acquire drones and use them for their nefarious activities.

Second, the absence of comprehensive regulations and guidelines for drone use in many African countries has made it difficult for governments to effectively manage and control drone operations. This regulatory gap has been exploited by non-state actors who can operate drones without facing significant legal consequences. Third, Africa's vast and often challenging terrains, including dense forests, deserts, and remote regions, make it difficult for security forces to effectively detect and intercept drones, allowing non-state actors to exploit these operational gaps.