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Viettel Highlights Vietnamese Defense Industry's Anti-Drone Capabilities at Vietnam Defense Expo 2024.
During the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, Viettel Group, a key player in Vietnam's defense industry, introduced the VCU3/P.DJG, an anti-drone electronic jamming rifle. This system, designed to disrupt communications and counter drones, highlights Viettel’s expertise in electronic warfare technologies.
The frequencies covered by Viettel’s system are widely employed by commercial drones such as DJI Phantom, Mavic, and Matrice, as well as professional drones used in industrial and surveillance applications (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The presented jamming system operates on several critical frequency bands, including 1.2 GHz, 1.5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz, which are commonly used by drones and other communication systems. Capable of jamming and detecting suspicious signals, it effectively neutralizes threats in complex tactical environments. With a portable and ergonomic design, the device can be used independently or integrated into larger defense systems. It addresses the protection of critical infrastructure and strategic event security.
The frequencies covered by Viettel’s system are widely employed by commercial drones such as DJI Phantom, Mavic, and Matrice, as well as professional drones used in industrial and surveillance applications. These frequency bands are also common in military or customized drones, often modified for reconnaissance, surveillance, or targeted attacks. This broad coverage enables the system to address diverse threats, from standard commercial drones to improvised models in tactical contexts.
The device incorporates technologies such as wide-spectrum radios, machine-learning algorithms, and cognitive jamming capabilities. These features enable automatic detection and neutralization of threats while ensuring connectivity with command and control systems (C5ISR). Viettel designed this system to meet the demands of modern operations, where drones and autonomous technologies play an increasing role.
The VCU3/P.DJG anti-drone system stands out for its ability to cover a wide range of frequencies making it effective against a variety of commercial and military drones. This versatility places it among the more capable devices on the market, comparable to well-known products like DroneGun by DroneShield or REX 1 by Kalashnikov. Viettel’s approach integrates advanced features such as automated detection of suspicious signals and cognitive jamming, enhancing operational efficiency.
Compared to its competitors, Viettel’s rifle also distinguishes itself with a portable and ergonomic design, similar to DroneGun MKIII, but with an increased focus on integration into larger systems. However, some competing systems, such as those from Dedrone, emphasize combined defense solutions (software and hardware). Viettel’s product appears tailored for both autonomous and tactical use, addressing the needs of complex environments.
As a key player in Vietnam’s defense industry, Viettel is known for its ecosystem of military products spanning drones, radars, optronics, and cybersecurity. The group leverages modern laboratories and expertise in research and development to provide innovative solutions, particularly in military communications and electronic warfare sectors.
While effective and modern, Viettel’s anti-drone system does present notable limitations. Firstly, its jamming range is not explicitly detailed, raising questions about its effectiveness in long-distance scenarios. Competing systems, like DroneGun by DroneShield, offer jamming capabilities over several kilometers, potentially outperforming Viettel’s device. Additionally, although the system covers standard drone frequencies, it may face limitations against platforms using unconventional or encrypted communications, a growing trend among military and custom-built drones.
Moreover, the device appears primarily focused on jamming functions, with limited indications of integrated advanced detection capabilities such as radar or optical sensors found in competing solutions. This absence could reduce its effectiveness in proactively addressing threats, especially against drone swarms. Lastly, while designed for integration into C5ISR systems, its interoperability with multinational platforms or complex networks is not clearly emphasized, potentially limiting its adoption in collaborative international environments.
At the expo, Viettel also showcased its capabilities in the drone domain with various loitering munitions, demonstrating its commitment to multifunctional technologies. These autonomous platforms play a vital role in information gathering, reconnaissance, and precision strike operations. Viettel positions itself as a strategic partner to meet the emerging needs of modern armed forces.