The rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in both military and civilian domains has fundamentally transformed modern air defense concepts. Especially against low-cost, easily accessible UAVs capable of operating in swarms, purely kinetic destruction-based systems are no longer sufficient. At this point, soft-kill methods come to the forefront, offering cost-effective and flexible solutions by neutralizing threats without physical destruction. Soft-kill approaches rely on techniques such as electronic warfare, signal disruption, and perception manipulation, aiming to interrupt the UAV’s control, navigation, or mission execution capabilities.

From a technical perspective, soft-kill methods are primarily based on disrupting communication links, degrading satellite navigation signals, and sensor deception techniques. Through RF jamming, the command and control link between the UAV and its ground station can be severed, while GPS spoofing causes the platform to receive false location data, forcing it off course or into an emergency landing. More advanced systems enable cyber intervention, allowing access to the UAV’s software and, in some cases, complete takeover of control. The most significant advantages of these methods include reduced collateral damage, safe operation in congested airspace, and lower operational costs compared to kinetic interceptors. Today, modern armed forces integrate soft-kill solutions alongside hard-kill measures to establish a layered, resilient, and sustainable counter-UAV defense architecture.