Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
EDIT: Honestly, I’m kind of surprised that someone hasn’t tried a drone that can deploy, say hydrogen or helium balloons
Balloons have already been tried, deploying them from drones is a pain so they’re mostly ground based. Russians are currently doing that to compensate for starlink losses
edit: look up Barrage-1, that’s their current 5G balloon testbed
Ah, gotcha, thanks. It looks like that’s a larger and more elaborate than what I was thinking of, with a ballast system and limited maneuverability. considers I dunno what the cost impact is.
However, the Barrage-1’s comparatively low altitudes could make them targets for Ukrainian air defense systems and other countermeasures.
“And what’s most important for us? To have the means that can detect such objects over our territory,” Beskrestnov suggested. “And to have the ability to shoot down such targets if they pose a threat. As far as I remember, the S-300 [surface to air missile system] can engage targets at an altitude of 20-30 km (about 12 to 19 miles).”
If it’s expensive enough, then using S-300s or comparable systems becomes economical.
Balloons have already been tried, deploying them from drones is a pain so they’re mostly ground based. Russians are currently doing that to compensate for starlink losses
edit: look up Barrage-1, that’s their current 5G balloon testbed
https://www.twz.com/news-features/russia-eyes-balloon-communications-system-to-fill-massive-gap-left-after-losing-starlink
Ah, gotcha, thanks. It looks like that’s a larger and more elaborate than what I was thinking of, with a ballast system and limited maneuverability. considers I dunno what the cost impact is.
If it’s expensive enough, then using S-300s or comparable systems becomes economical.