Radio-controlled drones typically use separate bands for control, video and navigation reception. Detection (RF scanners, direction finding) and jamming work per band; knowing the bands shows where counter-UAS bites.
| Function | Typical bands | Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Control (C2) | 433 / 868 / 915 MHz · 1.2–1.3 GHz · 2.4 GHz (e.g. ELRS) | Lower bands = more range/penetration; 2.4 GHz = standard, wide hardware base |
| Video downlink | 5.8 GHz (most common) · 2.4 GHz · 1.2 GHz | Higher band = cleaner video in the open, worse through obstacles |
| Navigation reception (GNSS) | GPS L1 ~1,575 MHz (and Galileo/GLONASS) | Weak satellite signal — target for jamming and spoofing |
| SATCOM (BLOS) | Ku- / Ka-band (Starlink user link: Ku band) | Long range; with a ± 1 kg LEO terminal also on small platforms (see 1.8) |