The 14th and 15th of February 2026 mark a new technological escalation on the Ukraine front.
As SpaceX and Kyiv implemented a strict “white list” that deactivated thousands of Russian Starlink terminals, Moscow responded with the first launch of the unmanned stratospheric platform Barrage-1.
According to Sergey Besskrestnov, known as Flash, adviser to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, this platform is not merely an experiment, but a strategic attempt to create an autonomous communications network.
Technical characteristics and operational role
The Barrage-1 platform operates as a “pseudo satellite” (HAPS, High Altitude Platform System) and offers a cheaper and more flexible solution compared to low orbit satellites:
1) Barrage-1 flies at an altitude of 20 kilometers, remaining airborne in the stratosphere for several days.
2) It can carry equipment of up to 100 kilograms, functioning as a 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) relay.
3) It provides high speed internet across vast areas where ground based telecommunications towers have been destroyed.
The “trick” with Geran (Shaheds) and mesh networks
Despite the blockade of Starlink, Flash warns that the Russian side has not been left “blind”.
The Russians are using alternative methods to control Geran-2 (Shahed) drones, such as.
Mesh networks (Network meshes):
In practical terms, this refers to a networking architecture where devices (nodes) connect directly, dynamically, and non hierarchically with one another.
Unlike traditional networks where all devices connect to a central router or satellite, in a Mesh network each device also functions as a relay for the others.
Thus, drones communicate with each other during flight, creating a data relay chain.
Even without Starlink, telemetry and commands are passed from drone to drone until they reach the operator.
Chinese modems and SIM cards:
Connections have been detected that exploit local mobile networks, including European SIM cards, to transmit positioning data and real time imagery.
Domestic systems:
Russia has begun developing terminals based on the Yamal and Express satellites, although these systems are larger and easier to detect by Ukrainian reconnaissance.
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