Rafael Unveils Mini Electronic Warfare Shield for UAVs

Rafael Introduces STORM SHIELD™ for UAV Protection

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled STORM SHIELD™, a miniature electronic warfare system designed for unmanned aerial vehicles operating in dangerous and heavily defended airspace.

The system was presented internationally for the first time at the AOC Electronic Warfare conference in Helsinki.

Rafael says the new suite is meant to fill a growing operational gap: many UAVs are being sent into contested areas without lightweight, active electronic protection built for smaller aerial platforms.

Built for Contested Airspace

As modern air defenses become more advanced and electronic warfare environments become more crowded, UAVs face greater risk when operating near enemy radar and missile systems.

STORM SHIELD™ is designed to give UAVs a better chance of completing missions in anti-access and area-denial environments, where aircraft can be tracked, targeted, or disrupted.

The system works as a software-programmable electronic warfare suite that can monitor the electromagnetic environment, identify incoming radar signals, analyze them, and respond in real time.

360-Degree Defensive Coverage

One of the system’s key features is full 360-degree coverage, allowing the UAV to maintain protection regardless of its direction, angle, or movement during flight.

That matters for unmanned aircraft carrying out complex maneuvers, especially in areas where threats may come from multiple directions.

Rafael says the system is designed to provide autonomous self-protection and radar deception, reducing the need for constant operator control during fast-moving missions.

Advanced EW Technology in a Smaller Package

STORM SHIELD™ uses an AESA transmitter architecture together with Digital RF Memory technology, known as DRFM, to create advanced electronic deception effects.

These technologies are already part of Rafael’s wider electronic warfare portfolio, but the company says they have now been miniaturized for unmanned platforms.

The system is modular and can be adapted for different UAV types, mission needs, and threat environments through standard components and configurable software.

Designed to Improve UAV Survivability

Rafael says STORM SHIELD™ includes wide-frequency coverage, autonomous spectrum monitoring, direction-finding, and advanced radar deception capabilities.

The goal is to improve UAV survivability and mission success in areas where enemy air defenses and electronic warfare systems would otherwise limit operations.

The company emphasized that STORM SHIELD™ is not just a concept. It is based on technologies already proven in Rafael’s operational electronic warfare systems.

Growing Demand for Protected Unmanned Systems

The launch comes as militaries place greater reliance on UAVs for intelligence, surveillance, targeting, and strike missions.

But as drones become more central to modern warfare, they also need stronger protection against radar-guided threats and electronic attack.

With STORM SHIELD™, Rafael is aiming to bring high-end electronic warfare protection to smaller unmanned platforms, giving them a better chance to operate where air defenses are dense and the threat level is high.