GANDALF-4 prototype (Photo: NATO)
A new prototype sensor developed by the NATO Communications and Information Agency has completed a significant round of testing, marking a step forward in NATO’s electromagnetic warfare capabilities. The sensor, GANDALF 4, underwent a series of tests at an advanced anechoic chamber operated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. This facility serves as a controlled environment for precise calibration and detailed performance assessment of the sensor’s antenna array, which is critical for ensuring the system’s accuracy and reliability.
GANDALF 4 was developed by specialists at the agency’s Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Centre. The system is designed to detect, classify and locate deliberate attempts to interfere with or manipulate GNSS signals. GNSS jamming and spoofing are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, posing challenges to NATO’s operational readiness and resilience. The development of GANDALF 4 is designed to enhance situational awareness in contested electromagnetic environments.
The recent testing phase focused on evaluating the antenna performance of the sensor. Collaboration between the agency’s Electromagnetic Warfare and Surveillance team and the procurement agency’s Ground Based Defence group played a central role in the campaign, facilitating knowledge transfer and improving efficiency, according to the team.