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​Eyes in the Sky: Ukraine Launches Surveillance Balloon Over Battlefield

New footage shows the Ukrainian forces deploying a tethered balloon for battlefield surveillance / Photo credit: Soniashnyk
New footage shows the Ukrainian forces deploying a tethered balloon for battlefield surveillance / Photo credit: Soniashnyk

New footage shows the Ukrainian forces deploying a tethered balloon for battlefield surveillance

Ukrainian forces have published a video showing the launch of tethered aerostats developed by Ukrainian Aerobavovna company. The footage illustrates the preparation and ascent of the balloon, confirming the growing role of this simple but effective surveillance tool on the battlefield.

Aerostats are used as elevated platforms for real-time video surveillance and reconnaissance. Suspended from a tether, they carry lightweight camera systems that provide wide-area situational awareness at high altitude, unaffected by terrain.

Read more: Ukrainian Forces Destroy russian MT-12 Rapira Unit and Support Vehicles Near Vovchansk (Video)

According to the report, the Ukrainian military uses these balloons for multiple purposes: monitoring enemy positions, extending communication range, and detecting aerial threats. This makes them useful in both static defense and mobile operations, especially near active front lines.

In addition to passive observation, the aerostats can support communications by acting as airborne relays. This is especially valuable in areas where ground communications are disrupted or jammed by russian electronic warfare.

The system is produced by Aerobavovna, Ukrainian company focused on low-cost aerial surveillance solutions. The design is adapted for rapid deployment and can be used by mobile teams with minimal setup time.

While not a new concept, the use of aerostats has gained traction due to their cost-effectiveness and resistance to GPS spoofing. Unlike drones, they remain airborne for extended periods, offering continuous monitoring without needing frequent battery swaps.

As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian tactical aviation carried out a successful airstrike targeting russian Federal Security Service base located near the village of Belaya Beryozka in russia's Bryansk region. The operation marks a significant cross-border precision strike and demonstrates Kyiv's increasing ability to hit high-value military and security targets behind enemy lines.

A tactical aviation strike near Belaya Beryozka leveled the Border Service of the Federal Security Service facility Defense Express Eyes in the Sky: Ukraine Launches Surveillance Balloon Over Battlefield
A tactical aviation strike near Belaya Beryozka leveled the Border Service of the Federal Security Service facility / screenshot from video
Read more: Ukrainian Tactical Aviation Destroys russian Federal Security Service Base in Bryansk Region Using the AASM Hammer Bombs