Russian drones now build a web of relays and defy electronic warfare. Russia is rapidly deploying and refining remote control of long-range drones over mesh networks. In October 2025, the occupiers already used this approach to hunt Ukrainian trains, says Serhii Beskrestnov, also known as Flash, as per Defense Express.

From Chinese mesh modems to relay drones that keep functioning under fire

Flash explains that Russia turned to Chinese manufacturers to turn the idea into reality. It specially ordered mesh modems, nominally labelled as Wi-Fi gear, operating in the 1300–1500 MHz band, and uses technology that differs from conventional Wi-Fi.

Each unit costs approximately $7,000 and can deliver an output of 10–20 W per channel, allowing for links of 100 km or more.

These modems provide a digital, encrypted connection that is relatively resistant to electronic interference by using cross-frequency distribution techniques. Each modem also acts as a relay: airborne modems on drones form a chain network in which data packets automatically reroute if a node disappears.

As a result, even if many platforms are shut down, the network remains operational. The drones that survive keep the links and forward data. 

“Each modem is not just a transmission point but also a relay for others. In the air, modems on drones create communications channels between themselves. Each of them tries to link to the next, and if one drops out, the information is routed around through another channel,” Beskrestnov explains.

From Gerbera to Shahed: scaling the tech for attacks on moving targets

Russia has been refining this technology for about a year. Flash noted that even if 80% of the drones are destroyed, the remainder can still relay information. Initially, Moscow tested the system on small foam drones, such as the “Gerbera", used for rear-area reconnaissance and relaying signals back toward Russian territory.

Seeing the concept’s effectiveness, the Russians began installing mesh modems on Shahed drones, enabling online control from Russian soil.

Technically, the network can provide throughput up to ~50 MB/s, and in degraded conditions, around 2 MB/s, which is enough to stream optimized high-definition video and allow FPV control with acceptable latency.

Although Shaheds are not highly maneuverable, their capabilities are sufficient to attack predictable moving targets, such as trains whose speed and route are known. An operator controlling a drone online can approach from the rear and strike a locomotive or tanker.

“These Shaheds can not only hit GPS coordinates like a substation but can also strike its most vulnerable point... We prioritize detecting these modems by their signal and jamming them with electronic warfare,” Flash says.

Modems that only switch on near the target, and ground relays on balconies

A Shahed with a mesh modem may only power the modem at a specific coordinate near the target — i.e., these modems don’t need to broadcast continuously and may activate just before strike.

Beyond airborne nodes, the Russians can set up ground relays: the modems are compact and can be installed on balconies or rooftops with internet access. Such ground nodes don’t need high antennas to communicate with nearby UAVs.

Can the system be countered?

Flash stresses that, despite the system’s complexity, it can be defeated by electronic warfare. However, the effectiveness of countermeasures depends on how widely and well Russia implements mesh technology: if Moscow deploys it not just on Shaheds but on other long-range platforms, it will gain a robust, fast, and wide two-way data channel.

Any mitigation depends on the volume, quality, and scale of Russia's deployment.

"It’s crucial not to miss the moment when Russia multiplies use of this tech across many platforms, not only Shaheds. Because that would create a resilient, fast, broad two-way data channel,” the Defense Express experts say.

Ukraine is fighting back not only on the frontline but also against those who exploit the war for their own benefit. Ukrainian law enforcement has uncovered a large-scale fraud scheme that has stolen $480,000 from volunteers and soldiers. 

An organizer of the scheme was extradited from Armenia and handed over to Ukrainian authorities on 28 October at the Krakivets checkpoint on the Polish border, according to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's office.

According to the investigation, an organized group created fake online stores and social media pages, posting ads for the sale of cars, drones, thermal imagers, and other equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

To gain trust, the perpetrators posed as volunteers, sharing photos and “reports” from the front lines.

The mask of trust 

After receiving advance payments, which sometimes amounted to hundreds of thousands of hryvnias, the fraudsters disappeared without a trace.

The organizer and three accomplices have been charged. Indictments have already been sent to court against three members of the group. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Ukraine needs international assistance now more than ever, as Russia’s war continues into its fourth year.

To ensure that goodwill remains a force for good, it is crucial to verify volunteers and donate only through trusted organizations.

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation has confirmed it is ready to deliver Rafale fighter jets if Kyiv requests them, Le Journal du Dimanche reports. This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's mention that Kyiv is negotiating with France, Sweden, and the United States to acquire up to 250 modern fighter jets to replace Ukraine’s aging Soviet-era fleet.

Ukraine seeks 250 Western jets from three countries

Speaking on 27 October, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is engaged in three parallel negotiations to modernize its air force: “I’m holding three simultaneous talks with the Swedes, the French, and the Americans,” he told reporters. the Ukrainian President also noted that Ukraine’s air force modernization strategy centers on three core fighter platforms: the F‑16, the Gripen, and the Rafale. Ukraine aims to secure a total of 250 jets, potentially divided among the three suppliers.

France has already provided Ukraine with older-generation Mirage 2000 fighters, which are now flying under Ukrainian insignia.

Sweden’s Gripen emerges as front-runner

Despite Dassault’s readiness, Sweden appears to be leading the race. Kyiv and Stockholm have signed a preliminary agreement covering the delivery of 100 to 150 latest-generation Gripen jets. Financial Times reported that the Swedish manufacturer Saab is even considering setting up an assembly plant in Ukraine.

Kyiv has publicly highlighted the Gripen’s operational advantages. On 27 October, Zelenskyy emphasized that the aircraft requires a smaller technical crew for maintenance and that experienced pilots can be trained in just six months, compared to 18 months for the F-16. He also noted that the Gripen E/F can operate from roads or basic runways — a critical factor given Ukraine’s war conditions — and is compatible with most of Ukraine’s existing weapons.

Updated Iris radar buys crucial minutes to destroy kamikaze drones for the Ukrainian Army. A software upgrade of the Dutch equipment has increased its coverage radius from 5 km to 12 km, Defense Mirror reports. 

This upgrade, developed using feedback from Ukrainian operators and employing artificial intelligence to improve tracking accuracy, can be installed on systems already in service in field conditions.

Irises see earlier — they save lives

Ukrainian officials say up to 80% of battlefield losses on both sides are now caused by drones, making early detection a top defense priority.

The Iris system, developed by Dutch firm Robin Radar and in Ukrainian service since the start of the full-scale invasion, now provides early warning of low-altitude threats thanks to more than a twofold increase in detection range.

Mobility, scale and tactical advantages

Reports say about 200 Iris radars are currently deployed. Each unit weighs around 29 kg, provides 360-degree coverage, and has a base price of €500,000.

Systems are typically mounted on tripods, buildings, or poles to protect energy infrastructure, government facilities, and military bases. The ability to push software updates makes them rapidly scalable and flexible in the field.

Marcel Verdonk, Chief Commercial Officer of Robin Radar, said, “You want to ideally see them at 7–8 km optimum range – and this capability enables just that.” 

Ukraine is in talks with France on the possible supply of Rafale fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on 28 October, Militarnyi reports. The French-made multirole Rafales could become a new component of Ukraine’s air fleet as the country transitions away from its aging Soviet aircraft during the Russian invasion.

Rafales at the core of new negotiations

Responding to an Ukrinform question, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is conducting “three parallel conversations regarding aircraft — with the Swedes, with the French, and with the Americans.” He reminded that the modernization plan for Ukraine’s air force is based on three key fighter platforms — F‑16, Gripen, and Rafale.

Militarnyi notes that back in 2021—a year before Russia's full-scale invasion—French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly planned to propose Rafale jets to Ukraine to replace the Soviet‑era MiG‑29s during his visit to Kyiv. No further details of that initiative were made public, but the topic has now returned to the agenda.

Rafale’s capabilities

The Rafale, produced by Dassault Aviation, is a 4++ generation multirole fighter able to perform all types of combat missions. One of its major advantages is the capacity to use the long‑range Meteor air‑to‑air missile developed by the MBDA consortium. 

Wider air‑fleet strategy

According to Ukrinform, Zelenskyy called the Swedish Gripen attractive for its lower maintenance costs, shorter pilot‑training period, and ability to operate from roads. He added that Ukraine and Sweden agreed to localize Gripen production, describing that step as “a historic agreement.”

Zelenskyy noted that the overall demand for new combat aircraft is around 250 planes, with 150 Gripen fighters already agreed in principle. The ongoing talks with France place Rafales alongside Gripens and F‑16s as one of three cornerstone aircraft in Ukraine’s future air‑power structure.