Shahed-type drones fly deeper into Ukrainian rear using relay drones

Russian Shahed and Gerbera-type drones fitted with mesh modems have been flying increasingly deeper into Ukraine's rear, while electronic warfare systems are not always effective against them.

Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's defence minister and a radio technology specialist, on social media

Quote: "Remote control and reconnaissance activity by Shaheds and Gerberas using mesh modems is becoming increasingly relevant. We are recording UAVs with mesh modems flying deeper and deeper into our rear."

Details: Beskrestnov said the operating range of such drones currently extends from the north to the city of Kyiv, from the west to Poltava and from the south to Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa and Mykolaiv.

He explained that mesh technology makes it possible to form a chain of UAVs with radio modems in the air, through which a control signal is transmitted. The system is designed so that special long-range communication antennas are placed on high points and masts on Russian territory.

Quote: "Communication with a UAV can be maintained at a distance of up to 220 kilometres. But for communication to work, the UAV has to be very high up. Otherwise, the curvature of the Earth's surface will prevent a communication channel from being established."

More details: Beskrestnov gave an example of the use of this tactic during an attack.

Quote: "In the case when they tried to kill me, two jet-powered Shaheds were circling near my house, while another two were en route a few kilometres away from me. The two Shaheds that were en route at the moment of the strike on me were at an altitude of 2,200 metres."

More details: Beskrestnov said these drones had acted as signal relays for the others.

Quote: "Then these two UAVs at an altitude of 2,200 metres transmitted the signal to the other two, which descended low to attack me."

More details: Beskrestnov added that Russia usually uses up to two or three relays, as the speed drops and signal latency increases when their number rises.

Quote: "Such a chain of intermediary UAVs for transmission can be long, but experience has shown that as the number of relays increases, the speed drops and latency increases. That is why the enemy uses no more than two or three radio signal relays."

More details: During attacks, drones try to remain close to one another to strengthen the signal.

Beskrestnov said a large group of pilots and experts from Alabuga are working on this technology, including about 40 pilots.

He pointed out that effective countermeasures must be found. Beskrestnov also noted that traditional electronic warfare systems are not always effective against such drones.

Quote: "After all, it is obvious to everyone that electronic warfare which suppresses satellite navigation does not work if a pilot is controlling a UAV manually using navigation instruments."

Background:

• Earlier, Beskrestnov reported that Russian forces have begun receiving Spirit-030 satellite terminals at the front line in large quantities, attempting to use them as a replacement for Starlink. The first such device has been located and destroyed.
• It was previously reported that following their disconnection from Starlink terminals, the Russians began more actively seeking alternatives to maintain communications at the front line. In particular, they received new terminals based on Yamal and Express satellites and also placed emphasis on alternative communication channels, including towers with Wi-Fi bridges.

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