Ukrainians have created “ears” for air defense that cannot be detected by radars – an innovative acoustic system for air target detection
In May 2022, Ukrainian military engineers and scientists took the first step towards revolutionizing air defense systems by experimenting with intercepting acoustic signals. At that time, casual audio recordings of cruise missile and drone flights on smartphones demonstrated that even everyday devices could capture the sound trail of air targets. This served as a catalyst for developing a more sophisticated system capable of recognizing and detecting enemy objects at various altitudes and under challenging conditions. The idea of a network of highly sensitive acoustic “ears” dispersed across Ukraine emerged, capable of quickly and accurately determining the location of drones and missiles, filtering background noise, and transmitting high-precision coordinates to air defense command centers. What is this system? It is a combination of multichannel acoustic hardware, digital spatial signal processing, and modern machine learning algorithms. It can “hear” when radar systems remain silent, especially at low altitudes and in complex terrain — in cities, hills, forests. Importantly, it is mobile, affordable, and easily scalable, making it a breakthrough in rapid response and combat adaptation. Eugene Smertenko, a signal processing and surveillance systems specialist and one of its creators, explains the development and capabilities of this system. In an interview with ZN.UA, he shares initial experiences and prospects. “Russian aggression is the most advanced in its scale and diversity. For the first time in modern conflicts, Russia conducts massive air escort attacks: aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, strike UAVs—all simultaneously. This creates an extraordinary burden on Ukraine’s air defense system, which has driven the urgent need for new, innovative solutions,” Eugene V. explains. “My team and I did not hesitate — we began working on creating an acoustic system for detecting enemy aircraft to help our air defenses operate even faster and more accurately.” The formation of a team was established early on. Initially, specialists in digital signal processing and specialized software developers joined the project. However, it soon became clear that such a complex project required expertise from different fields. Eugene, with over ten years of experience in big data, industrial Internet of Things, machine learning, and modeling, assembled a team of top civilian specialists—those with deep expertise in modern technologies and a track record of successful projects. The team also includes engineers responsible for manufacturing processes, allowing for the creation of a multidisciplinary unit capable of integrating military, engineering, and IT components. System design and principles of operation “We created a modular architecture that allows easy addition of new sensors and algorithms tailored to specific tasks. It’s like a child’s construction kit for specialists, enabling flexible system adjustments for various scenarios,” Eugene says. “Based on multichannel acoustic hardware, digital processing, neural networks, and manual analysis of collected audio recordings, we developed a unique tool.” The first prototypes appeared in summer 2022. By October, developers assembled ten samples for internal testing. The platform’s architecture enables rapid connection of any type of sensor—radar, acoustic, or their combinations. This ensures scalability and flexibility, significantly improving detection accuracy even in complex environments. “We combined traditional signal analysis methods with modern machine learning tools, particularly neural networks. This provides high accuracy even amid noise and interference,” specifies the expert. “Our goal is to create a unified, standardized platform capable of working with different sensor types. This is crucial for forming a fully new defense system that can react faster and more precisely under any conditions.” Unfortunately, testing and deployment in combat conditions face many restrictions—from data confidentiality to limited access to state programs and support from certain institutions. Moreover, several months after creating the initial version, the system remained in the stage of field testing and refinement. Particularly challenging were bureaucratic obstacles and limited cooperation with higher military authorities; the system must not only be technically advanced but also harmonized with strategic defense plans. “Currently, the system is in a state of combat readiness. We have received support from the Brave1 charity fund, which allowed us to purchase necessary equipment and initiate industrial research operations,” Eugene reports. “It has been working continuously for over nine months; it’s being refined and improved. We’ve gathered a large volume of data, enhanced algorithms, and created a workstation for the operator to analyze historical and real-time airspace situations.” Considering difficulties and obstacles, the team emphasizes that the main task is not only to develop a technical product but also to ensure its full integration into the military structure. Coordination with developers and military units is essential so that the system can perform its functions as efficiently as possible. Obstacles and development prospects “One of the biggest challenges is the restricted access to real air situation data, which complicates verification and enhancement of algorithms,” Eugene explains. “Without current information, it’s difficult to confirm high accuracy, strengthen algorithms, and develop universal solutions.” In addition to internal issues, the team faces misunderstandings or misinterpretations by some military structures and officials. Although the National Security and Defense Council actively supports the development of this hardware, effective collaboration organization remains an unresolved problem. “Today, the system is fully ready for deployment, but the constant need for adaptation and improvement in the context of modern warfare is vital for its effectiveness,” Eugene concludes. “We have already gained support from government and international funds, collected valuable experience, and highly appreciate the opportunity to use this technology on real air defense objects. It’s crucial that it gets “heard” and utilized across all levels — from headquarters to field commanders.” Looking ahead, developers plan not only to improve the system but also to shape a strategic roadmap for the development of acoustic systems within Ukraine’s defense infrastructure. This aligns with the concept of creating a multi-layered, multi-aspect protection system that operates in synergy with traditional radar and optical systems, providing continuous monitoring and rapid response. Ukraine is confidently moving forward by creating unique defense technologies of the 21st century, and this acoustic system is one of many steps in that direction. Most importantly, it is already “hearing” and can save lives and stop dangerous objects before they even fly.