Ukrainian military technology developer BlueBird Tech has expanded the frequency range of its Chuika 4.0 drone detector up to 4.5 GHz.
The company confirmed following field testing that the upgraded device can detect signals in the 4 to 4.5 GHz frequency band at distances reaching up to 3 kilometres.
BlueBird Tech noted that actual operational range depends on transmitter power, antenna configurations, signal interference and local environmental conditions.
One of the detector's operational bands now spans from 2860 to 4500 MHz.
According to BlueBird Tech, this extension enables operators to detect signals from Russian Molniya strike uncrewed aerial vehicles, which operate on frequencies within this spectrum band.
Technical specifications and frequency coverage
The Chuika 4.0 operates across four distinct frequency bands: 1080 to 2200 MHz, 2860 to 4500 MHz, 4860 to 6040 MHz, and 6040 to 8800 MHz.
To cover the highest frequency range of 6040 to 8800 MHz, the manufacturer equipped the device with a separate receiver module and a fourth antenna.
A complete cycle of automatic spectrum scanning takes between four and eight seconds.
The detector features an internal 5,000 mAh battery capable of supplying power for up to two hours of continuous operation.
The standard product package also includes an external 10,000 mAh power bank, which adds up to four additional hours of autonomy, bringing total field operating time to six hours.
Role of passive signal detection in battlefield defense
Passive radio frequency detectors have become vital protective gear on the battlefield, enabling military personnel to detect incoming reconnaissance and strike drones before visual contact is established.
Russian forces have increasingly deployed Molniya strike drones, which use non-standard radio control frequencies to evade conventional electronic warfare detection systems.
By scanning multiple radio spectrum bands simultaneously, devices like the Chuika provide early warning alerts when drone control or video links emit signals nearby.
The name Chuika comes from a Ukrainian slang term meaning instinct or hunch, reflecting the device's role as an early warning sensor for soldiers.
BlueBird Tech defense technology portfolio
BlueBird Tech is a Ukrainian hardware company that develops tactical military technology and unmanned aerial system accessories.
The manufacturer previously introduced the Clover 5.8 GHz antenna designed for first-person view strike drones.
BlueBird Tech has also launched production of Chipa net throwers, which feature an effective capture range of up to 25 metres for tactical drone interception.
In addition to hardware developments, the firm created a drone-themed video game titled Survive in the Sky and Destroy Missiles.
