Ukrainian balloons: A game-changer in counter-drone warfare
The Ukrainian company Kvertus, which specialises in producing radio-electronic countermeasures, has unveiled its latest solution: the airborne version of the Azimuth radio-electronic reconnaissance complex. The Aero Azimuth complex has been mounted on Ukrainian aerostats supplied by Aerobavovna. Its primary function is to locate enemy drones and relay their positions to fire units.
The creators of Aero Azimuth believe that the complex should be situated approximately 10 kilometres from the front line at various altitudes. The device can detect radio radiation sources at a distance of around 60 kilometres, reports Militarny. Aero Azimuth will thus enable the early detection of enemy drones and subsequently disrupt their operations. The entire system is mounted on balloons from the Ukrainian company Aerobavovna, which supplies aerostats for military purposes.
Ukrainian balloons on the front line
The Ukrainian company Aerobavovna offers various balloon models that perform exceptionally well on the battlefield. The simplest models cost €2,920 and can carry loads up to 5 kilograms. These aerostats can operate at altitudes over 500 meters, making them effective for various military applications.
The Aerobavovna balloons are filled with helium, allowing them to remain airborne continuously for several days. As a result, even if the enemy hits them, they descend slowly, reducing the risk of damage to the carried equipment. Additionally, these devices can be equipped with electronics that simulate fighter jet flights, aiming to mislead the enemy's air defence.
Use of Aerobavovna balloons on the battlefield
The Aerobavovna balloons are used for various purposes, including reconnaissance, signal retransmission, drone control, and carrying explosive charges. Their versatility has made them widely used in military operations conducted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Ukrainian weather balloons, adapted for reconnaissance and strike missions, are regularly observed over Russian territory. Russian sources confirm sightings of several such objects over the Lipetsk, Kursk, and Bryansk regions. Despite attempts to intercept them, Ukrainian balloons continue to pose a significant threat to Russian air defence.
As a result, Aerobavovna balloons play a crucial role in wartime activities, allowing for coordinated attacks and deceiving enemy radars and defence systems. Their flexibility and efficiency make them an extremely valuable tool in the arsenal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
