Phantom Defense EW Systems Became the “Adversary” for Drones During Drone Dominance Trials in the U.S.

Ukrainian defense technology company Phantom Defense, which develops an integrated ecosystem for countering unmanned threats, took part in Gauntlet II — a stage of the U.S. Drone Dominance program held at Fort Carson, Colorado. The company was one of three participants involved in creating the adversarial environment used to test unmanned systems.

This approach makes it possible to evaluate drone capabilities not only under standard operating conditions, but also in an environment that more closely reflects the modern battlefield, where unmanned systems may encounter detection, electronic warfare, and other C-UAS measures.

For Gauntlet II, Phantom Defense deployed a counter-UAS system combining video interception capabilities, a C2 system for detection, classification, engagement, and suppression-result confirmation, as well as electronic warfare systems.

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The company presented Specter PRO, a dome and directional electronic warfare system designed to protect strongpoints, brigade headquarters, and critical infrastructure facilities. The trials also featured Specter L, X, and XL — a family of compact EW systems optimized for operation in complex and extreme conditions. These solutions are used by mobile teams to protect units and equipment near the front line.

Phantom Defense also demonstrated Streamhunter, a video interception system that successfully intercepted UAV video signals during the trials.

All deployed solutions were integrated with a C2 system, which provided situational awareness, transmitted data on detected targets, and coordinated the operation of countermeasures, including EW systems and Streamhunter.

“Participation in Gauntlet II gave Phantom Defense the opportunity not only to present Ukrainian technologies, but also to demonstrate the practical value of our experience in modern warfare. Ukrainian-American defense cooperation should be reciprocal: Ukraine is already able to share with its partners technologies, field-ready products, and experience gained in real time. This makes it possible to understand which solutions work, under what conditions they lose effectiveness, and how quickly the adversary adapts to new technologies,” said a representative of Phantom Defense.

During the trials, Phantom Defense EW systems demonstrated successful UAV suppression and maintained their effectiveness across varying weather conditions, including daytime heat and rain.

In addition to the direct use of countermeasure systems, Phantom Defense recreated the type of environment that drone operators face on the modern battlefield. This made it possible to assess UAV performance under active countermeasures and evaluate how their effectiveness changes when exposed to detection and suppression systems.

The successful performance of the Phantom Defense team and its counter-UAS solutions drew the attention of the U.S. side. Following Gauntlet II, Phantom Defense received invitations to take part in a number of upcoming events and trials within the Drone Dominance program.