US Navy’s USS Ohio Deploys Drone-Jamming Tech: How It Works and Why It
The 18,479-ton guided-missile submarine USS Ohio now carries DRAKE, a counter-drone system.
The U.S. Navy has equipped the USS Ohio, an 18,479-ton guided-missile submarine, with an electronic warfare system designed to counter small drones. Known as DRAKE (Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare), the technology detects and disrupts unmanned aircraft during surface operations without relying on conventional weapons like missiles or guns.
DRAKE uses software-defined radio to scan the electromagnetic spectrum, identifying and tracking small drones. Once a threat is detected, operators can activate a jamming function that interferes with the radio signals controlling the aircraft. This disruption can prevent drones from completing their missions by severing the link between the device and its operator.
How the System Operates: USS Ohio
However, the system has limitations. It cannot effectively counter drones that operate autonomously, as these rely on pre-programmed routes or artificial intelligence rather than continuous communication with a controller. Its effectiveness also depends on environmental conditions and the specific communications technology used by the drone.
Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer of DRAKE, is refining the system based on real-world feedback. One recent update includes an Android-based interface, intended to simplify operation for naval crews. Michael Johnson, a fellow at the company, stated that deployed systems have been interacting with drones and learning from these encounters to improve performance.
The DRAKE system is part of a broader family of counter-drone technologies developed by Northrop Grumman, including versions for vehicles, personnel, and fixed installations. It became an approved U.S. Navy program in April 2024, and in September of the same year, the company secured another production contract for the JCREW/DRAKE 2.0 variant.
Ongoing Developments and Broader Applications
The Navy has not disclosed the specific version of DRAKE installed on the USS Ohio or its operational range. However, the integration of this system reflects a growing emphasis on electronic warfare as a non-lethal means of neutralizing threats in environments where traditional defenses may be impractical.
Submarines like the USS Ohio remain stealthy while submerged, but their vulnerability increases when surfaced or operating near coastlines. Small drones pose a unique challenge, as they can conduct surveillance without the need for large, detectable equipment. DRAKE provides submarine crews with an additional defensive tool, though it does not guarantee protection against all drone threats.
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