GERGEDAN has been developed to counter one of the most prevalent asymmetric threats in modern operational environments: RF-triggered improvised explosive devices (RC-IEDs). These devices can be activated via GSM, 4.5G, 5G, two-way radios, commercial RF modules, and other wireless communication systems. GERGEDAN disrupts this triggering chain by applying active electromagnetic suppression over selected frequency bands.

Operational Purpose and Role

The system is optimized for three primary mission sets:

• Convoy protection
• VIP vehicle protection
• Fixed facility protection

During convoy operations, GERGEDAN is typically mounted on a leading or VIP vehicle, creating a protective electromagnetic suppression bubble along the route of movement. For fixed installations, it secures a defined perimeter by continuously denying RF-triggered activation attempts.

Doctrine and Concept of Employment

GERGEDAN operates within the framework of tactical electronic protection through spectrum denial. Its operational logic includes:

• Continuous wideband jamming
• Mission-based selective band suppression
• Pre-programmed jamming profiles tailored to threat intelligence

Thanks to its user-defined profiles, operators can optimize frequency planning prior to missions. This helps reduce interference with friendly communication systems while maintaining protective coverage.

System Architecture

The system architecture consists of three main components:

• RF generation and power amplification units
• Antenna subsystem (omnidirectional, optionally concealable)
• Hand Control Unit (HCU)

GERGEDAN employs a DDS-based, FPGA-controlled sweeping jamming architecture, enabling:

• Precise digital frequency synthesis
• Fast band switching
• Multi-profile configuration
• Controlled spectral management

High-efficiency multi-band power amplifiers support RF output power below 500 W. Built-in VSWR protection safeguards the system against antenna mismatch or damage.

Survivability and Protection Approach

GERGEDAN is not a kinetically armored platform; however, it is designed for rugged operational conditions:

• MIL-STD-810 compliant
• Operating temperature range: -30°C to +60°C
• SAR levels compliant with ICNIRP standards

These features ensure environmental resilience and operator safety.

Reaction Time and Coverage

Public sources do not specify the exact effective jamming radius. However, with sub-500 W RF output and omnidirectional antenna configuration, the system is designed to create a vehicle-centered protective RF denial zone.

The FPGA-controlled DDS architecture allows millisecond-level frequency sweeping and rapid response; precise numerical values are not publicly disclosed.

Integrated Ecosystem

GERGEDAN can:

• Be integrated into various vehicle types
• Operate via vehicle alternator for continuous missions
• Operate independently using rechargeable Li-Ion batteries

It is designed to function within ASELSAN’s broader electronic warfare and communication ecosystem. Specific integration interfaces are not publicly disclosed.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

Strengths:

• Wideband coverage (GSM, 4.5G, 5G, radio frequencies)
• Over 100 programmable jamming profiles
• Portable and vehicle-independent architecture
• Rapid deployment capability

Limitations:

• Omnidirectional antenna disperses energy over 360°, limiting directional concentration
• Effectiveness against GNSS-triggered or time-delay activation methods is not publicly specified
• Exact coverage radius remains undisclosed

Operational Use and Inventory

Publicly available information confirms development and offering by ASELSAN. Detailed inventory data and end-user information are not publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Weight: 60 kg (excluding power source and antennas)
• Portable, vehicle-independent configuration

Power System

• Vehicle alternator supply
• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery group
  • 1 hour operation on battery
• Continuous operation via alternator

Performance Parameters

• RF Output Power: < 500 W
• Jamming Profiles: 100+
• Continuous or profile-based jamming modes

RF and Signal Architecture

• DDS-based programmable digital frequency synthesizer
• FPGA-controlled sweeping mechanism
• Wideband programmable architecture

Jamming Method

• Sweeping jamming
• Multi-band high-efficiency power amplifiers
• Built-in VSWR protection

Antenna System

• Omnidirectional antennas
• Optional concealable configuration
• Custom-designed radiation patterns

Command and Control

• Hand Control Unit (HCU)
• Profile selection capability
• System status and fault monitoring
• Built-in Test (BIT) functionality

Environmental Compliance

• MIL-STD-810 compliant
• Operating temperature: -30°C to +60°C
• ICNIRP-compliant SAR levels

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GERGEDAN used for?

• GERGEDAN prevents RF-controlled improvised explosive devices from being remotely triggered by suppressing RF communication signals across selected bands. It is primarily used for convoy and VIP protection.

Which frequency bands does it cover?

• It is designed to cover GSM, 4.5G, 5G, and radio communication bands. Exact frequency ranges are not publicly disclosed.

How many threats can it neutralize simultaneously?

• The system does not target individual devices but applies area-based spectrum suppression. All RF-triggering signals within the selected bands are denied simultaneously.

Is it mobile or fixed?

• It is portable and vehicle-independent. It can operate on battery power or be powered continuously via vehicle alternator. It can also be deployed for fixed facility protection.

What is its effective range?

• The precise effective jamming radius is not publicly disclosed. Coverage depends on RF power output, antenna configuration, and environmental conditions.

Does it interfere with friendly communications?

• Mission-specific profile configuration allows optimization to minimize interference with friendly systems. However, wideband jamming inherently requires careful spectrum management.

What are its equivalents?

• Similar portable convoy jammer systems exist globally. GERGEDAN’s key differentiators include its DDS-FPGA programmable architecture and portable deployment flexibility.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product documentation
• ASELSAN corporate publications
• Publicly available defense industry releases