Zelenskyy: Ukraine to have new defense against Shahed drones in two months

Chinese-made mesh modems are enabling Russian drones to maintain longer-range control over Ukraine, according to a new investigation. Mesh networking chips from Shenzhen Xingkai Technology have been discovered in Russian drones operating in Ukraine. Gerbera drones, specifically, were found to be utilizing these Chinese mesh networking technologies. The discovery, made after a Gerbera drone was downed during an attack on Ukrainian targets, has raised concerns about the extent of Russia's drone capabilities.

It remains unclear whether Shenzhen Xingkai Technology was aware of the destination for its mesh networking hardware. However, it is believed that Russia began embracing mesh technology following the blocking of its access to Starlink in February 2026. This development provides Russia with an advantage, potentially allowing it to attack Europe using drones such as Gerberas, as reported by the CIA.

The Insider's investigation revealed that an order for 30 mesh modems had been placed and shipped from Shenzhen Xingkai to Vladivostok, Russia. It was also found that Xingkai Tech was both the supplier and sole manufacturer of the mesh modems. These modems were then being assembled with Gerbera drones in Alabuga for Russian military use.

AMD, the chip manufacturer, clarified that Xingkai Technology is not an AMD customer or authorized partner and has not sold products to the company, strictly adhering to U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

The use of mesh networking in Russian drones has heightened concerns about the scale of their operations. This technology enables Russia to coordinate its UAV fleets in formation, allowing them to target targets further away. Spain's El Mundo recently reported that US intelligence has informed European governments about Russia's potential capability to launch drone strikes on any Mediterranean country.

A Lithuanian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Russia could use drones launched from the sea, concealed within the container of a ship. The discovery of mesh technology in Gerbera drones further increases the risk of attack, suggesting that Russia may extend its military reach.