Alpine Eagle Completes Counter-Drone Trials with Ukrainian Armed Forces

UK-based defense technology firm Alpine Eagle has completed a series of field trials in Ukraine to validate its modular counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities against Russian drone threats. Conducted in active conflict zones alongside Ukrainian Armed Forces units, the tests focused on detecting and neutralizing small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs), particularly first-person view (FPV) attack drones and reconnaissance platforms used by Russian forces.

Field Trials in Combat Conditions

The trials were conducted over several weeks in undisclosed frontline areas of eastern Ukraine during mid to late 2024. According to Alpine Eagle and confirmed by Ukrainian military sources, the testing environment included real-world drone threats—particularly low-flying FPV drones operated by Russian units for both reconnaissance and kamikaze-style strikes.

Alpine Eagle deployed its modular C-UAS system comprising electronic warfare (EW), radio frequency (RF) detection, direction-finding antennas, and jamming payloads. The system was integrated into mobile platforms including pickup trucks and armored vehicles for rapid deployment across dynamic frontlines.

Ukrainian operators trained on the system reported successful detection ranges exceeding 5 km for RF-emitting UAVs under favorable conditions. Jamming effectiveness varied depending on drone type and frequency band but achieved full disruption at ranges up to 1.5 km against common FPV models like the Orlan-10 derivative or commercial quadcopters modified for combat roles.

System Architecture and Capabilities

Alpine Eagle’s C-UAS solution is designed around a modular open architecture that supports NATO STANAG interoperability standards. It includes:

• RF Detection & Direction Finding: Passive RF sensors scan wideband frequencies to detect control links or telemetry signals from UAVs.
• Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR): Optional integration with EO/IR cameras enables visual confirmation of targets.
• Electronic Attack Module: Directional or omnidirectional jammers disrupt uplink/downlink communications or GNSS signals used for navigation.
• C2 Interface: A ruggedized operator console provides situational awareness overlays with threat geolocation data.

The company highlights that its jamming modules are software-defined and capable of being reconfigured remotely to adapt to evolving drone waveforms—a critical requirement given Russia’s frequent changes in FPV control frequencies to evade EW countermeasures.

Tactical Lessons from Ukraine’s Drone War

The conflict in Ukraine has become a proving ground for C-UAS technologies due to the unprecedented scale of drone use by both sides. Russian forces have employed layered drone tactics combining ISR platforms like Orlan-10 with massed FPV attacks using low-cost commercial drones modified with explosives.

This environment has forced rapid innovation among Ukrainian units and their Western partners. Alpine Eagle’s decision to trial its technology under live-fire conditions reflects a growing trend among Western defense firms seeking operational validation before scaling production or pursuing NATO procurement channels.

A key lesson from these trials is the importance of mobility and adaptability—fixed-site jammers are often targeted quickly by loitering munitions or artillery once activated. Alpine Eagle’s vehicle-mounted configuration allows “shoot-and-scoot” tactics similar to mobile artillery systems, increasing survivability while maintaining coverage over tactical formations.

NATO Interoperability and Export Potential

The company emphasized that its system is fully compliant with NATO interoperability protocols including Link-16 compatibility for threat data sharing across allied networks. This positions Alpine Eagle as a potential supplier not only for Ukraine but also for NATO countries seeking scalable C-UAS solutions tailored for brigade-level deployments or base protection missions.

The UK Ministry of Defence has reportedly monitored the trials closely as part of broader assessments into emerging EW/C-UAS technologies suitable for British Army modernization under programs such as Land Industrial Strategy (LIS) and Future Soldier initiatives. While no formal procurement has been announced yet, Alpine Eagle is expected to participate in upcoming UK MoD industry days focused on counter-drone capabilities.

Outlook: From Trials to Operational Deployment

Following successful validation in Ukraine, Alpine Eagle plans further refinements based on operator feedback before offering the system more broadly through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channels or direct government-to-government agreements. The company is also exploring integration with radar-based detection layers for enhanced multi-sensor fusion against non-emitting autonomous drones—a growing threat vector as AI-enabled swarming becomes more prevalent on battlefields like Ukraine’s Donbas region.

The firm’s CEO stated that “real-world feedback from Ukrainian operators under fire is invaluable” in shaping final product configurations suitable not only for high-intensity conflicts but also asymmetric environments where commercial UAV threats are proliferating globally—from Sahel insurgencies to Indo-Pacific flashpoints.