After restricting the use of Starlink, the Russian military will likely return more actively to the use of mesh modems to control strike UAVs.
After restricting the use of Starlink, the Russian military will likely return more actively to the use of mesh modems to control strike UAVs.
This was stated by electronic warfare specialist Serhiy Beskrestnov (Flash). According to him, Ukrainian manufacturers of small electronic warfare solutions should not wait for centralized instructions — they need to get involved now and adapt their products to new threats.
«MESH modems on UAVs work well. Of course, it is better to work with DDS, but even Chinese jammers affect mesh modems,» notes Flash.
According to the expert, even partial signal suppression — at a level of about 40% — can significantly reduce the effectiveness of strike drones, especially if it is possible to disrupt video transmission and precise control at distances of 300–500 meters.
Flash also outlined the technical parameters that, according to him, are currently relevant for countering such systems: vertical signal polarization, operation in the 1300–1550 MHz and 3200–3400 MHz bands, as well as module power at the level of 70–100 W.
At the same time, he warns that the enemy will not stand still and will use new frequency ranges over time, so Ukrainian developers will have to constantly adapt their solutions.
Separately, Beskrestnov emphasizes the importance of the correct tactics for deploying electronic warfare equipment. «Cover objects from the ground, don’t 'climb' to a height. There will be no point, and you will hinder our electronic warfare equipment,» he emphasizes.
Recall that Ukraine, together with Starlink, has already taken the first steps that yielded quick results in the fight against Russian drones. The next step is to implement a system that will allow only authorized terminals to operate on the territory of Ukraine.
