Russia's Deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Moscow is increasingly using Shahed and Gerber drones equipped with mesh modems to carry out deep strikes into Ukrainian territory. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operate in relay chains, transmitting signals between each other to dramatically extend their operational range. According to available data, the reach of these controlled Shahed drones now covers Kyiv from the north, Poltava from the west, and from the south, it extends to Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, and Mykolaiv. This technological upgrade marks a significant shift in how Russia conducts its aerial campaigns.
How the Drone Control Technology Works
The mesh network technology enables data exchange between drones while in flight, boosting command efficiency. Communication with a single drone is possible up to 220 kilometers away, but only if the UAV flies at a high altitude—otherwise, the Earth's curvature interferes with the signal. During the most recent attack, two jet-powered Shahed drones circled near the home of Sergey Flesh, while two others hovered at an altitude of 2,200 meters just a few kilometers from their target. At that height, reliable communication is limited to a distance of 200 kilometers. Sergey Flesh noted:
“A very simple calculation shows that at such an altitude, communication could only occur within 200 kilometers. If you exclude Belarus, there is clearly only one possible origin for the control signal.”
Russian forces typically use no more than two or three radio signal relays, which still impacts drone handling efficiency. A group of about 40 operators and specialists from Alabuga is working against Ukraine. Importantly, electronic warfare (EW) systems that jam satellite navigation become ineffective when pilots manually control the UAV using onboard navigation instruments—a point also raised by Sergey Flesh.
As a result, Russia's deployment of Shahed and Gerber drones with advanced control technologies is increasing the threat to Ukraine and complicating its airspace security.
This development highlights the evolution of Russian battlefield tactics against Ukraine. The use of mesh technology allows Russian forces to coordinate drone operations more effectively, raising the risks for Ukrainian infrastructure. In response, Ukraine must enhance its own air defense and electronic warfare capabilities to counter these emerging threats.
As Russia enhances its drone capabilities, the introduction of cost-effective affordable drone models like the 'Molniya' could further complicate Ukraine's defense strategies. This shift not only increases the frequency of aerial threats but also presents new challenges for countermeasures, emphasizing the need for robust air defense systems.