In the evolving landscape of modern warfare, drones have become a pervasive threat, capable of delivering precise and deadly attacks. To counter this danger, Ukrainian engineers have developed a groundbreaking solution: the Tsukorok, or “Sugar Cube,” a personal drone detector designed to protect soldiers on the battlefield. This compact, man-portable situational awareness device is proving to be a game-changer, offering early warnings of incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without compromising a soldier’s position.

The Sugar Cube: A Compact Lifesaver

The Tsukorok, aptly nicknamed the Sugar Cube, is a lightweight and user-friendly signal intelligence device. Its primary function is to detect approaching drones and alert soldiers with a discreet warning, allowing them to seek cover or activate jamming devices. Unlike bulkier or more complex detection systems, the Sugar Cube is small enough to fit in a soldier’s pocket, making it an essential tool for infantry and artillery units operating in drone-heavy combat zones. According to frontline soldiers, its simplicity and effectiveness have made it one of the most sought-after gadgets on the battlefield, with one mortar crewman describing it as “amazing because it is so cheap and simple”.

The device can be used standalone or paired with an external antenna, enabling soldiers to monitor threats while remaining concealed in a safe location. When a drone, such as a Lancet, ZALA-Kub, or first-person-view (FPV) attack drone, enters its detection range, the Sugar Cube emits a loud beep, providing critical seconds for troops to react. This early warning system is particularly vital in countering suicide drones, which have become a significant threat in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war.

Origins and Grassroots Innovation

Developed by a London-based Ukrainian creator, the Tsukorok emerged from grassroots efforts to address the urgent need for affordable and accessible drone detection. The initial prototype, designed in the summer of 2022, targeted signals from Russia’s Orlan reconnaissance drones. Its popularity surged in late 2023, driven by positive reviews from Ukrainian military bloggers and frontline troops. The device’s low cost—often sold at cost price for less than $100—has made it a practical solution for widespread deployment, though its reliance on volunteer labor and donations highlights the challenges of scaling production.

The Sugar Cube’s design reflects Ukraine’s broader wartime innovation ecosystem, where necessity has spurred rapid technological advancements. Alongside other low-cost drone detectors like “Candy,” “Salt,” and “Cinnamon” from companies such as Drone Spices, the Tsukorok represents a shift toward accessible, soldier-centric technology. These devices complement more sophisticated systems, serving as a “last-resort warning” for troops under immediate threat.

Challenges in Production

Despite its success, scaling up production of the Tsukorok has faced significant hurdles, primarily due to its dependence on a Chinese-manufactured component. This reliance has slowed efforts to meet the growing demand from Ukrainian forces, who face an estimated 50,000 FPV drones per month from both sides of the conflict. Efforts are underway to shift away from Chinese components, with an optimistic timeline for production improvements by the end of May 2024, though the project continues to rely heavily on volunteer support without significant state backing.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and initiatives like Brave1 are working to address these challenges by supporting domestic drone and counter-drone technologies. The goal is to mass-produce and stockpile Sugar Cubes to ensure every soldier has access to this critical tool. As one Ukrainian official noted, “It’s something that every soldier should have… you feel a lot calmer” with a Tsukorok in your pocket.

A New Era of Battlefield Protection

The Tsukorok’s impact extends beyond its immediate utility. It represents a broader trend in modern warfare, where affordable, innovative technologies are leveling the playing field for smaller nations against larger adversaries. Ukraine’s ability to integrate such devices into its defense strategy—alongside acoustic sensor networks and AI-driven drones—has made it a “war lab for the future”. The Sugar Cube’s role in enhancing situational awareness and saving lives underscores the importance of grassroots innovation in addressing the evolving threats of drone warfare.

As Ukraine plans to ramp up production and reduce reliance on foreign components, the Tsukorok is poised to become a cornerstone of its counter-drone strategy. While not a complete solution—it can lose effectiveness in drone-saturated environments—the Sugar Cube remains a vital “personal protector” for soldiers facing the constant threat of aerial attacks. With continued investment and innovation, this small device could redefine how infantry units defend against the growing menace of drones.