Pocket-sized drone detection: “Sukork” warns Ukrainian soldiers of Russian drones

In Ukraine it is called “Sukork” (sugar cube); its inventor Dmytro Selin – a Ukrainian who has long lived in London – calls it “Candy”. Anyone searching Google for “Цукорок” finds photos of chocolate boxes. Germans would probably speak of “Bonbons”, Viennese simply of a “Zuckerl”. What is meant is a small drone detection device that allows Ukrainian soldiers to track down drones.

Since its invention, demand has exceeded supply; until now, several months passed between order and delivery. There is now hope, as Ukraine has apparently been able to increase production by bringing in additional manufacturers.

Technically, “Sukork” belongs to electronic signals intelligence: the device warns Ukrainian soldiers of Russian drones. Because it only receives and transmits nothing, it does not give away its wearer's position. It is small, light and cheap, and very simple to operate. Received signals are analysed and classified by type. Depending on signal strength, the device vibrates a different number of times, with an optional warning tone in addition: once for a weak, twice for a medium and three times for a strong signal.

Drone detection needs up-to-date frequency data

“Sukork” can recognise all major Russian drones – provided the firmware is updated regularly. Because this has to be simple, the update works not only via a PC but also via a mobile phone using a USB cable.

This is where electronic warfare specialists come in. They supply the data, including the frequencies currently used by Russian drones. In addition, the signals have further parameters through which they can be unambiguously assigned to a specific drone type.

Only then can “Sukork” identify the threat on its small screen. Three frequency ranges are scanned in parallel, by default 865–885, 895–928 and 970–1020 MHz. Power comes from an 18650 battery that lasts for 12 to 20 hours.

For the common Russian reconnaissance drones, “Sukork” displays an identifying letter: Zala appears as Z, Eleron as E, Orlan as O and Supercam as Sc. The dangerous pairing of reconnaissance drone and kamikaze, Zala + Lancet, is shown as Zl, a single Lancet as La. The dreaded first-person view (FPV) drones carry the code FPV. If the match is not certain but only similar, a question mark is added. The display also shows a signal strength value, which allows a rough estimate of the distance.

With a directional antenna, the device can also operate in tracking mode and thus roughly take a bearing on the signal source.

The first version of the “Zuckerl” cost 2,400 hryvnias (around 52 euros). The second version, called “Vanilla Sugar” and fitted with two antennas, cost 3,000 hryvnias (65 euros). Development is not finished yet: the aim is an inexpensive, pocket-sized all-in-one detector for the ordinary soldier.

Incidentally, Ukrainian soldiers have clear orders for drone attacks: when danger threatens from the air, the soldiers' lives and health take precedence over equipment. Anyone who gets to safety when counter-drone defence fails in time is therefore not acting cowardly. This reflects the lessons and economics of the war of aggression that Russia has now been waging against Ukraine for more than 900 days: equipment can be repaired or replaced, whereas the survival of soldiers weighs far more heavily.