Hidden repeaters may enable online Shahed guidance over Kyiv
Russia may have deployed hidden Mesh-network repeaters inside Kyiv to remotely control Shahed drones and adjust their flight paths during attacks on the Ukrainian capital, presidential technology adviser Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov said on Facebook on Oct. 3.
Russian president's technology adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov suggested on Oct. 3 that hidden Mesh-network repeaters could be installed inside Kyiv to remotely control Shahed drones, adjusting their flight paths during attacks. While this remains a hypothesis, Beskrestnov estimated that one to three such repeaters could currently be operating in Kyiv.
These devices could create temporary communications channels, enabling Russian operators to control drones online using Mesh-network technology, rather than relying solely on preprogrammed routes or satellite navigation. Such repeaters are difficult to detect, but Beskrestnov stressed their importance: "As long as they exist, shielding the city with electronic warfare will not be effective."
His analysis of a previous strike on an SBU building and recent Russian drone attacks on Kyiv bridges led him to this theory. Russian channels circulating photos of air defense systems deployed on Kyiv bridges suggest Russia is attempting to conceal its Mesh communication channels. However, detecting these repeaters remains a challenge; no other communications equipment has been found among debris from downed drones.
Ukraine has been investigating ways to disrupt these control channels with electronic warfare, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a 57% interception rate for jet-powered UAVs during large-scale attacks. New Ukrainian interceptor drones are undergoing combat testing.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
