A video released by the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK) on 4/10 showed two 150 m3 balloons ascending, connected by a large cable. This cable featured numerous Kevlar strands attached vertically. Kevlar fibers are many times stronger than steel, yet also very flexible, making them a common material for bulletproof armor.
Russia's balloon barrier test in a video posted on 4/10. *Video: Vesti*
This footage shows a balloon barrier test designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The concept is for the Kevlar strands to form a net, trapping UAVs as they fly through. The one-meter spacing between the strands is considered sufficient to block medium and long-range Ukrainian drones. During the test, a UAV attempted to fly through the net but became entangled in the Kevlar strands.
While several Russian companies are developing balloon barriers, only Spets-Radio has so far demonstrated a complete system. This system can utilize Gepard balloons manufactured by RosAeroSystems. Its radar identifies the altitude of enemy UAVs, allowing automatic winches to adjust the balloon's position and ensure the cables obstruct the aircraft's flight path.
However, the manufacturer acknowledges that the biggest current challenge is the insufficient number of balloons. A Spets-Radio representative stated, "At least 10 balloons are needed to protect a facility like a Moscow oil refinery." Protecting all strategic facilities across Russia would require hundreds of such balloons, highlighting a significant logistical hurdle for widespread deployment.
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Russia's balloon barrier system against UAVs. *Graphics: Vesti*
Balloons have a history in aerial defense, having been used in World War I and World War II to counter aircraft. In those conflicts, they forced enemy planes to fly higher, which reduced the accuracy of bombing runs. Ukrainian military news outlet Militarnyi noted that Russia's balloon barriers would similarly force UAVs to fly higher in certain areas, potentially making them more susceptible to air defense radar detection. This suggests the technology, though old, could still influence modern drone warfare tactics.
Beyond deploying cables to counter UAVs, balloons serve other purposes in modern warfare. Russian defense conglomerate Rostec has developed balloons designed to ensure stable communication. Placing radio modules in the air helps mitigate the impact of terrain on signal quality, offering a reliable communication solution in challenging environments. Ukraine has also developed a type of rocket launched from balloons.
By Pham Giang (According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Militarnyi)
