Today, for an infantryman in a trench or a vehicle crew near the front, a delay of just one second can mean being hit by an FPV drone or a guided aerial bomb.

Ukrainian military developers have responded to this threat with the “Hrafit” digital system, which has brought situational awareness to the level of an ordinary smartphone.

What is the “Hrafit” system?

“Hrafit” is a specialized digital system for monitoring airspace and the electronic warfare environment, developed by military programmers for units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

The platform’s main goal is to provide a servicemember with an answer to the most critical question in modern combat: “Is the sky clear?”

The system collects and analyzes data from virtually all available electronic intelligence (ELINT) and surveillance assets, aggregating it into a single picture. For a soldier on the position, using the system is reduced to the simplest scenario: a short push notification about a threat arrives on the smartphone.

What threats does the system detect?

Thanks to its data-processing algorithms, the system can detect and warn online of approaching targets across a wide range:

  • FPV drones (kamikaze drones and loitering munitions);
  • Tactical-level quadcopters (for example, popular reconnaissance and targeting drones such as DJI Mavic);
  • Fixed-wing UAVs (russian drones such as “Molniya”, “Privet” and others);
  • Guided aerial bombs (KABs) and other airborne weapons.

System versions: from a command-post computer to a trench smartphone

“Hrafit” is optimized for different operating systems (Android, iOS and Web) and has several versions depending on the user’s tasks:

1. “Hrafit” (Full version)

Designed for analysts, commanders and electronic warfare/air defence operators. It includes advanced functionality: report generation, extensive filters, frequency-band analysis and a global map of combat operations.

2. “Hrafit Lite” (Trench version)

A simplified interface created specifically for soldiers on the “zero line”. It displays only the local area around the position, removing all unnecessary modules so as not to distract the servicemember from direct combat.

3. “Sova” module (Protection while on the move)

A special mode for logistics teams, drivers and medical evacuation:

  • activated on a mobile device while travelling by vehicle;
  • the monitoring sector moves across the map together with the vehicle;
  • warns of danger.

Why is this technology unique?

Information no longer gets stuck at command posts: the threat is visible both to a soldier at an observation post and to the command of the sector or the Commander-in-Chief. To use the system at a position, a soldier needs only a secure smartphone and access to satellite internet, including Starlink.

How to learn the system: the official course in “Army+”

A full online training course on using the “Hrafit” system is available in the “Army+” app.

Through this course, servicemembers can:

  • quickly learn how to work with the system;
  • learn how to configure the system correctly;
  • receive a certificate upon completion of the course.

In total, 29 training courses covering various areas are available in Army+: from psychological training to the basics of UAVs and communications. Recently, the app added new courses on military leadership and conducting official investigations.