The Awesomeness of Ukrainian Spy Balloons, Equipped with Explosives

JAKARTA – The dispute between Russia and Ukraine continues with various strategies. This time, the Ukrainian weather balloon is suspected to be a spy tool for the Russian military.

Essanews reported on Wednesday (24/4/2024) reports from Russian sources that they saw several modified Ukrainian weather balloons in their airspace. Their mission was allegedly for reconnaissance and attack. Because recently, Russia intercepted several suspicious objects. This sighting occurred especially in the Lipetsk, Kursk and Bryansk regions on April 15-16.

Modified weather balloons also raise questions about their nature and ability to infiltrate enemy countries’ airspace. Alexander Bogomaz, governor of the Bryansk region, said via Telegram that three Ukrainian balloons were intercepted by Russian air defenses on April 16. He noted that these objects did not cause any material damage or loss of life.

Ukrainian Balloons on the Battlefield

Defense Romania highlighted that Ukraine uses weather balloons differently. These balloons are usually used to carry weather monitoring instruments to a height of around 37 kilometers for civil purposes.

However, balon Ukraine the modified ones are equipped with explosives and a radio control system, allowing them to be dropped onto specific targets from high altitudes. Some balloons are also equipped with systems capable of recording radar emissions from anti-aircraft missile systems, and can even detect the Russian S-400 air defense system from a distance of about 250 kilometers.

In addition, smaller balloons produced by the Ukrainian company Aerobavovna are often seen on the battlefield. These devices are used for reconnaissance, signal retransmission, or drone control. The simplest model costs around IDR 49 million. This model can carry a payload of around 5 kilograms and operate at altitudes of more than 500 meters without requiring electricity or fuel, which is required for the more advanced Aerobavovna aerostats.

Aerobavovna states that their most basic aerostats are three times cheaper than commercial drones, offering an economical alternative. Preparation of such a balloon involves a process that takes about 15 minutes and a team of 2-3 people.

These balloons can fly for days to weeks. It should be noted, helium-filled aerostats are not pressurized and gradually lose gas and altitude. Therefore, if disturbed, the balloon will descend slowly to the ground, which takes around three hours, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the cargo being carried.

(msf)