Ukrainian military balloons may spoil Russia’s party

Balloons have been used in warfare since their invention in France in 1783, initially serving as observation posts and later as anti-aircraft devices. Nations like China and Israel have employed them for espionage while the United States is also showing interest. It is Ukraine, however, that has been the most active user of these balloons, launching over 1,000 of them into Russian territory since autumn last year.

These balloons can drop bombs, distract air defenses, and function as radio relays, enabling drones to operate beyond their normal range.

Recently, Ukraine has tested a unique approach by using balloons to carry drones, thereby extending the reach of drone strikes. This tactic allows a drone launched from a balloon to glide further after reaching its initial altitude of up to 18km, greatly reducing the need for its engines. This method has been in development for over a year, as evidenced by a photograph from March 2025 showing a drone attached to a Ukrainian-made aerostat.

In September, Russian Telegram accounts and officials reported a significant number of balloons being spotted in the area where heavy drone attacks were carried out. On May 2025, Ukrainian soldiers reportedly used a balloon to launch an American-made Hornet drone a distance of 42km before releasing it at an altitude of 8km, with the drone's battery lasting for an extended period due to the balloon's assistance.

The Hornet drone, while not fully autonomous, benefits from the extended range offered by the balloon, effectively doubling the drone's potential reach. While current balloon designs are suitable for lighter drones, Ukraine is exploring the possibility of fitting these balloons with more advanced drones, which would not require full autonomy.

On the other hand, Russia has also begun experimenting with balloons, but their efforts are hindered by unfavourable wind conditions. For Ukraine, the sky appears to offer limitless possibilities, while for Russia, the balloons represent a significant strategic setback.