Amid rising drone threats on modern battlefields, Serbia has revealed the Kobac-1PR—a mobile electronic warfare (EW) system designed to detect and jam hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using artificial intelligence. Developed by Yugoimport SDPR and showcased at the Partner 2025 defense exhibition in Belgrade, the system represents a significant step in Serbia’s military modernization efforts.
Kobac-1PR Overview: A Mobile AI-Powered Counter-UAS System
The Kobac-1PR is a short-range electronic warfare platform mounted on a light tactical vehicle chassis. It is designed for rapid deployment and mobility across varied terrain. The primary mission of the system is to detect, identify, track, and neutralize small UAVs—particularly commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) drones often used for reconnaissance or loitering munition roles.
According to official specifications released by Yugoimport SDPR during Partner 2025 (held in September), the Kobac-1PR integrates:
- AI-based signal recognition algorithms capable of classifying drone control links and telemetry protocols
- 360° radio frequency (RF) scanning with automated threat prioritization
- Directed jamming emitters targeting GNSS signals (GPS/GLONASS), control uplinks (2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz), and video downlinks
- A modular architecture allowing integration with other C-UAS sensors (e.g., radar or EO/IR)
The system’s effective jamming range is reportedly up to 3 km under optimal conditions. It can operate autonomously or be remotely controlled via secure tactical comms networks.
Artificial Intelligence Enhances Threat Discrimination
The standout feature of the Kobac-1PR is its use of artificial intelligence for RF signal analysis. Rather than relying solely on static libraries of known drone signatures—as many legacy EW systems do—the AI engine continuously learns from new signal patterns and adapts its jamming strategy accordingly.
This capability enables faster response times against novel or modified UAV platforms that might use frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) or encrypted control links. The onboard machine learning models are trained to distinguish between civilian RF traffic and malicious drone activity—reducing the risk of collateral disruption in urban or contested electromagnetic environments.
Platform Mobility and Tactical Integration
The Kobac-1PR is mounted on a lightweight multi-purpose armored vehicle based on Serbia’s BOV M16 Miloš platform—a proven design offering protection against small arms fire and IED threats. This mobility allows EW teams to reposition quickly based on evolving threat vectors or mission requirements.
The system can be integrated into broader air defense networks through digital command-and-control interfaces. When paired with radar cueing or electro-optical tracking systems such as those used on Serbia’s PASARS SHORAD platform, it can form part of a layered counter-drone defense architecture combining kinetic and non-kinetic effects.
Operational Context: Addressing Drone Proliferation in the Balkans
The introduction of the Kobac-1PR comes amid growing concern over drone usage in regional conflicts—including lessons drawn from Ukraine where FPV drones have had outsized tactical impact. Serbia has been expanding its domestic EW capabilities as part of broader modernization programs initiated after observing recent conflicts involving asymmetric UAV tactics.
Balkan neighbors such as Croatia and Romania are also investing in counter-UAS technologies; however, few systems in the region currently advertise autonomous AI-based jamming like the Kobac-1PR does. This could provide Serbia with a niche capability advantage if deployed effectively within its territorial defense doctrine.
Export Potential and Industrial Significance
Yugoimport SDPR has positioned the Kobac family—including ISR variants like Kobac-M—and now this EW-focused version as export-ready products aimed at non-aligned nations seeking affordable C-UAS solutions outside NATO supply chains. The modularity of the platform allows customization based on end-user needs—whether for border surveillance, convoy protection, or base security roles.
The development also signals progress within Serbia’s indigenous defense industry ecosystem which continues to evolve beyond legacy Soviet-era designs toward more software-defined capabilities aligned with modern electronic warfare doctrines.
