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 and linked by cables. The system, shown on Rossiya 1 television, features Kevlar strands designed to entangle drone propellers.
- Designed to safeguard critical infrastructure, the system draws inspiration from Second World War installations historically called "aprons." Sergei Bendin, head of the Russian Geographical Society's Moscow commission on aeronautics, confirmed the primary goal is protecting oil refineries from drone attacks.
- 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 detect and engage.
- The Russian research and production enterprise Spec-Radio, which developed the system, claims the technology is ready for mass production. This follows earlier tenders by chemical companies seeking protection from Ukraine's intensifying drone campaign.
- 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.
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15 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.
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