U.S. Navy Deploys Counter-Drone Electronic Warfare System Aboard USS Ohio Nuclear Submarine.

The U.S. Navy is deploying an upgraded counter-drone electronic warfare system aboard Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided-missile submarines, including the USS Ohio (SSGN 726), to strengthen protection against small unmanned aerial threats. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) system detects and tracks drones and can disrupt their radio-control links through electronic jamming, providing an additional defensive capability when submarines operate on the surface.

Northrop Grumman is upgrading its DRAKE counter-drone electronic warfare system, deployed aboard U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided-missile submarines, including USS Ohio (SSGN 726), to improve the detection, tracking, and disruption of small unmanned aerial threats during surface operations. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense)

According to information recently published by Janes ahead of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition in Washington, D.C., Northrop Grumman is introducing software and hardware upgrades based on operational feedback. The modernization includes an Android-based operator interface designed to simplify counter-drone operations, while U.S. Navy officials have confirmed DRAKE deployments aboard guided-missile submarines.

Integrating counter-unmanned aerial system technology aboard USS Ohio extends electronic warfare protection into the U.S. Navy's submarine force. Although nuclear-powered submarines rely primarily on underwater concealment for survivability, they can become exposed to aerial surveillance during surface operations, port approaches, and missions involving personnel or equipment transfers. Small unmanned aerial vehicles present a particular challenge because they can conduct close-range reconnaissance, monitor naval movements, or identify vessels operating near coastlines and maritime facilities. Commercially available drones equipped with electro-optical cameras also allow adversaries to gather intelligence without relying on conventional maritime patrol aircraft.

DRAKE addresses this threat through a software-defined radio architecture that monitors the electromagnetic environment for signals associated with small unmanned aircraft. According to Northrop Grumman, the system can detect, identify, alert operators to, and track potential drone threats before employing electronic countermeasures when authorized. Unlike counter-drone weapons that physically destroy an aircraft using missiles, guns, or interceptor drones, DRAKE employs non-kinetic radio-frequency disruption intended to interrupt communications between a drone and its remote operator. Its effectiveness depends on the aircraft's communications architecture, operating frequencies, and ability to function autonomously.

This approach is relevant aboard submarines, where installing dedicated air-defense weapons could create integration challenges and additional equipment requirements. Northrop Grumman describes DRAKE as an open-architecture electronic countermeasure system designed to accommodate emerging threats through software and hardware modernization. Its adaptable design allows the technology to support different military operating environments without relying solely on fixed electronic countermeasure configurations.

The latest modernization includes an Android-based interface intended to simplify system operation. Michael Johnson, a Northrop Grumman fellow, explained ahead of AUSA 2026 that the company continues to modify DRAKE based on information collected during operational deployments. This feedback allows engineers to refine software and equipment configurations as deployed systems encounter different unmanned aircraft and electromagnetic conditions. Such adaptability is increasingly important as small drones evolve through changes in radio-control frequencies, communication protocols, and resistance to electronic countermeasures. Updating software-defined radio equipment without completely replacing the underlying hardware can also accelerate improvements while preserving equipment already integrated into military assets.

DRAKE operators can monitor nearby unmanned aircraft without necessarily activating jamming, allowing personnel to assess potential threats before employing electronic countermeasures. The decision to disrupt radio-frequency communications depends on the operational situation and applicable rules of engagement, particularly where interference could affect other activities. For submarine operations, this distinction between monitoring and active electronic attack is important because it allows crews to maintain awareness of nearby drones without immediately transmitting jamming signals. Electronic disruption can then provide a defensive option when commanders determine that intervention is necessary and permitted.

USS Ohio is one of four Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines converted by the U.S. Navy into conventionally armed guided-missile submarines. The conversion replaced their original strategic nuclear missile mission with long-range conventional strike capabilities and support for special operations forces. Each converted submarine can carry up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles across 22 modified missile tubes and accommodate up to 66 special operations personnel, with facilities supporting their deployment and recovery during maritime missions. These characteristics make Ohio-class guided-missile submarines important assets for delivering concentrated conventional firepower and supporting covert operations, while their ability to operate submerged provides substantial protection against conventional detection.

DRAKE's deployment aboard USS Ohio could be operationally valuable in situations where the submarine's concealment is reduced, including operations near naval facilities, periods spent on the surface, or selected special operations activities where hostile unmanned aircraft might attempt to observe the vessel. Electronic detection could provide additional warning of nearby aerial surveillance, while authorized jamming could help disrupt drones dependent on remote-control communications. However, the U.S. Navy has not publicly detailed DRAKE's precise installation arrangement, detection range, jamming coverage, or operating procedures aboard USS Ohio. Available disclosures also do not establish whether the latest Android-based interface has already been installed aboard the submarine or whether its naval configuration includes every electronic warfare function.

Beyond submarines, Northrop Grumman reports that the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force employ DRAKE technology. The equipment draws on electronic warfare technology associated with the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) family, originally developed to counter radio-controlled explosive threats. Experience across different military environments helps inform software updates and countermeasure improvements as unmanned aircraft threats continue to evolve.

The modernization reflects a broader shift in military force protection as inexpensive unmanned aircraft increasingly threaten high-value assets traditionally defended against more sophisticated air and maritime threats. Although submarines remain difficult targets when submerged, their exposure during surface activities creates an additional security challenge that electronic warfare equipment can help address. For the U.S. Navy, DRAKE's deployment aboard USS Ohio shows how counter-drone capabilities used by ground forces and expeditionary units are being extended to major naval assets without replacing the submarine's primary reliance on stealth and established defensive procedures.

The strategic significance lies in protecting the operational availability of submarines capable of delivering large conventional missile salvos and supporting special operations. As unmanned reconnaissance becomes more accessible to potential adversaries, the ability to identify and counter aerial surveillance during vulnerable phases of submarine operations could help preserve mission security and reduce the risk of exposure. Continued software modernization also helps adapt defensive capabilities to emerging drone threats, potentially strengthening the survivability and operational flexibility of the U.S. Navy's guided-missile submarine force.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.