russian forces have begun installing mesh modems on Molniya strike drones, following the same approach previously applied to Gerbera decoy drones, long-range Geran and Shahed attack UAVs, as well as Kub loitering munitions. Unlike the larger systems used on other platforms, the Molniya is reportedly equipped with smaller mesh modems featuring two 5-watt channels operating in the 1,300–1,500 MHz range.
Photos of a Molniya drone fitted with a mesh modem were published by Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, adviser to Ukraine's Minister of Defense. He noted that russian forces are employing a deceptive tactic by pairing the mesh modem with an analog video transmitter to mislead operators of Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.
Read more: russian Shahed Drones Now Equipped with Mesh Modems and Cameras, Wreckage Analysis Shows
According to Beskrestnov, russia is acting in a structured and coordinated manner. The enemy is standardizing equipment and integrating the control segments of various drone types into a unified network. He suggests that the next step could involve linking ground robotic systems into the same control architecture.
russia first tested mesh modem integration on the lightweight Gerbera decoy drone before scaling the solution to Geran and Shahed UAVs. By August–September, mesh modems had reportedly become a serial feature on those platforms.
Defense Express previously spoke in detail with Serhii Beskrestnov about the growing use of mesh modems across different types of russian drones, with particular focus on countering this threat.
In general terms, the mesh modems russia procures from China provide encrypted digital communications resistant to electronic warfare through frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology. These devices not only transmit data but also act as relays for other modems, forming a communication chain that can extend back to russia and enable real-time drone control.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that russian forces, under the cover of civilian missions such as medical supply deliveries, were marketing Molniya-2 drones abroad.
Read more: Shahed With MANPADS: russia's Latest Threat Uses Brand New Verba, Mesh Modems — Here's Vulnerability
