Ukraine upgrades drone radar to catch mesh links
Infozahyst modified the Pluton system to identify signal relay chains used by Russian UAVs, extending detection range to 70 kilometers.
By Nia Foster ·
The Pluton air surveillance system can now identify mesh modems, a capability that allows it to track signal relay chains between Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. The upgrade was developed by Infozahyst, a Ukrainian company that produces defense technology.
"The Pluton UAV detection and warning system now supports the detection of mesh modems, which have become widely used to establish signal relay chains between Russian UAVs," the company stated on its Facebook page.
Ukrainian experts had previously reported finding these specific modems on Russian Gerbera, Shahed/Geran, Molniya, and V2U drones. The modification improves the system's ability to identify threats quickly, enhancing situational awareness for operators.
Developers also added remote monitoring features through a virtual private network. This integration allows personnel to receive threat data from safe distances, outside of immediate danger zones. The system scans the frequency range of 500 to 6,000 MHz approximately 50 times per second.
Pluton detects drones by decoding communication channels and matching signals against a database. It can operate for up to four hours on a supplied battery or draw power from a vehicle's electrical system. Detection range reaches up to 70 kilometers, depending on flight altitude.
In April, Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a presidential adviser and radio technology expert, noted that Russian Shahed and Gerbera drones equipped with mesh modems were penetrating deeper into Ukrainian territory. Infozahyst had previously developed a broadband receiver for electronic intelligence systems.
