Ukrainian Nowator 2 equips anti-drone tech for National Guard

It has become clear what anti-drone tools are equipped on the new vehicles for the Ukrainian National Guard, Nowator 2. This is the first instance of an electronic warfare system being installed on armoured vehicles during their production.

Let's recall that at the beginning of July, the company Ukrainian Armor handed over at least six brand-new Nowator 2 armoured vehicles to the local National Guard. This support did not require the Ukrainian authorities to appeal for help from any country.

Regarding the Nowator 2 vehicles mentioned, it should be clarified that these are entirely new models. Ukrainians have been dealing with previous generations of this type of vehicle for several years, while the second version was officially presented only in 2023 at the MSPO trade fair in Kielce. Tests of the Nowator 2 started a few months later, in January of this year.

Although the specification of the machines handed over to the guards is relatively clear, from the beginning the interest of the community commenting on the transfer was piqued by the electronic warfare system that the manufacturer decided to place on the vehicle. It was not clear whether such a system was installed on the Nowator 2, and if so, what exactly it entailed. Analysts from the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, however, determined what anti-drone tool was handed over with the vehicles to the Ukrainians.

"This is the first instance among armoured vehicle manufacturers and electronic warfare measures where an anti-drone system is installed on vehicles during their production," reads Defense Express. The vehicles for the Ukrainian National Guard have been equipped with a product from the company Kvertus, experts note. This solution is actively used by the Ukrainian military, primarily due to its portfolio's wide selection of models.

The Nowator 2 is equipped with the AD Kraken Counter FPV F3 system, which is a remotely controlled tool that operates in three radio bands. It has six jamming channels with a power of 30 watts each and thus covers the frequencies used by most FPV drones. The principle of operation of this tool is based on creating a "dome" in which incoming unmanned aerial vehicles lose contact with the pilot, thereby becoming useless and not reaching the intended target as they cannot be controlled.

Let us also recall that the Nowator 2 vehicles that were handed over to the Ukrainians are machines designed to transport a crew of up to 10 people. The safety of the soldiers is ensured by, among other things, bulletproof windows 5 centimetres thick and an Armox steel armour. The Nowator 2 also does not lack mine protection armour. This combination causes the vehicle to weigh just under 11 tonnes, approximately 2 tonnes more than its predecessor. A KSWT heavy machine gun calibre 12.7 mm provides its offensive capabilities.