Ukrainian Night Watch unit uses radio jamming to divert Russian hypersonic missiles into the Dnipro
Ukraine’s elite Night Watch squad reportedly rerouted two Russian hypersonic missiles into the Dnipro River by emitting spoofed radio signals, showcasing a new form of spectrum warfare.
In a recent operation, Ukraine’s Night Watch electronic-warfare team used the Lima system to broadcast counterfeit satellite navigation data, forcing two Russian hypersonic missiles to miss a key target in Kyiv and plunge into the 1,367-mile Dnipro River. The unit claims the same approach has previously downed a Kinzhal missile and now blocks 70-95% of radio-controlled drones in its sector. Ukrainian firms such as Phantom Defence and December1 have scaled up output of jamming equipment, with monthly production rising from a few dozen to up to 1,000 units.
The Pentagon, noting the tactical advantage, has placed electronic warfare among its top procurement priorities, while other powers like China expand similar capabilities. Despite occasional interference with Ukrainian own drones and the risk of misdirecting weapons toward civilian areas, officials argue the low cost and wide coverage of systems like Lima make them a vital layer of Kyiv’s air-defence strategy.
Why it matters
It shows how low-cost electronic jamming can reshape modern warfare and influence global defence spending.
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