Russia Tests Balloon Barriers to Snare Ukrainian Drones
Spec-Radio says at least 10 balloons would be needed to shield a single refinery with cables and Kevlar cords, according to Russian television reports.
- On October 2, 2026, Russia began testing a novel defense system against Ukrainian drones using balloons suspended above the ground. The system, displayed on Rossiya 1, uses interconnected cables and hanging Kevlar strands to entangle incoming aircraft propellers.
- Designed to safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly oil refineries, the system draws on Second World War installations historically known as "aprons." Sergei Bendin, head of the Moscow branch of the Russian Geographical Society, confirmed the primary goal is refinery protection.
- Shielding a single large facility requires at least 10 balloons to suspend the cable-and-Kevlar barriers. These curtains, which feature LED lighting, aim to force drones to fly higher or change course, making them easier for Russian air defense systems to track.
- The Russian research and production enterprise Spec-Radio, which developed the system, claims the technology is ready for mass production. This follows earlier tenders launched by chemical companies seeking protection from Ukrainian drone attacks.
- Meanwhile, Ukraine is exploring stratospheric balloons capable of launching missiles from altitudes between 12 and 18 kilometers. Additionally, Ukrainian developers are preparing to test the Nika missile, designed to counter jet-powered drones, with trials scheduled soon.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Russia has decided to test a new air defense measure against Ukrainian drones: connecting balloons suspended above the ground with cables designed to intercept approaching drones, reports the news portal The Kyiv Post.
Russia has begun testing a new defense system against Ukrainian drones: balloons suspended above the ground and linked between them through cables, designed to catch aircraft approaching, Kyiv Post reports.
RUSSIA is testing balloons with cables to take down Ukrainian drones, reviving tactics from World War II to protect key facilities.
Russia testing aerostats to defend against Ukrainian UAVs – media
Russia has begun testing aerostat-based barriers designed to counter Ukrainian drones; the tests were featured on the Rossiya 1 TV channel, and according to the designers, the technology is already ready for mass production, Militarny ezine reports.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
