Egypt is demonstrating its capabilities in countering the emerging threat of drones at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2023, which is held in Cairo from December 4 to 7. The country has unveiled its DJ-400 counter-drone system, which jams mini- and micro-UAVs from up to 4 kilometers away.

The DJ-400 system is developed by the Arab Organization for Industrialization, a state-owned enterprise that produces various military and civilian products. The system was first displayed at the previous edition of EDEX in 2021, and is expected to enter service with the Egyptian military soon.

The system consists of two main components: the DJ-400V vehicle-mounted anti-drone jammer, and the DJ-400P portable anti-drone jammer. Both devices use digital frequency synthesizer and power amplifiers based on gallium nitride transistor technology to block the signals related to the remote control, data transfer and navigation of drones.

The DJ-400V can cover a 360-degree horizontal and 30-degree vertical area, and can be customized to provide sectoral protection according to the user’s needs. The device can jam drones within a range of up to 4 kilometers using a non-directed antenna, making it effective against swarm attacks from all directions. The device is also equipped with advanced control and protection circuits that monitor and display various operational conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

The DJ-400P is a compact and lightweight device that can be carried in a backpack or a suitcase. The device can jam drones within a range of up to 2 kilometers using a directional antenna, making it suitable for rapid deployment and mobility. The device can also be integrated with a passive radar station to enhance the detection and The DJ-400 system is designed to operate in all weather conditions, with an operational temperature range of -10 to +55 degrees Celsius. The system is ideal for protecting critical facilities and VIPs, as well as ensuring the security of high-profile events, such as conferences and inaugurations, where the risk of drone attacks is high.

The DJ-400 system is not the only anti-drone solution that Egypt is interested in. The country has also signed a cooperation agreement with Russia to produce the Zashchita (Protection) civilian anti-drone system, which was developed by the Vector Research Institute, part of Ruselectronics holding within Russia’s state technological company Rostec.

The Zashchita system is similar to the DJ-400 system in that it uses passive radar and radio monitoring equipment to detect, identify, track and jam drones. However, the Zashchita system also has a suppression complex that can disrupt the communication channel between the drone and the operator, as well as the passive coherent location radar that makes the system invisible to enemy interceptors.

The agreement between Egypt and Russia is the first of its kind since the cancellation of the sale of Su-35 fighter jets under the threat of US sanctions. Rostec has emphasized that the agreement is in the civilian sphere and does not violate any international obligations.

The agreement aims to increase the production volumes and promote the anti-drone means developed by the Vector Research Institute in Africa, where the demand for such systems is growing.

The EDEX 2023 is the third edition of the biennial defence exhibition that showcases the latest military and security technologies from around the world. The event attracts over 400 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors from more than 60 countries. The exhibition also features live demonstrations, seminars and conferences on various topics related to the defence industry.

Source: Military Africa