After the shutdown of Starlink satellite communication terminals, Russian "Geran" strike drones are successfully using the well-established mesh modem system, but it has its drawbacks. Military observer Vlad Shlepchenko spoke about them.
The specialist recalled that the advantage of Starlink is its reliability and versatility. The complex works right out of the box and does not need to be configured. The situation is more complicated with mesh networks.
The point is that it's all done in the air. That is, there are no, let's say, altitude differences, there are no buildings, ruins, and so on. That is, nothing prevents the signal from spreading. If we put them on the ground, the efficiency of mesh modems is much lower.
However, mesh networks also have advantages, the analyst recalled. Due to the flight altitude of drones, which can reach 2–3 km, they are not so easy to suppress by electronic warfare means.
At the same time, the destruction of several drones does not matter, because mesh modems rebuild information forwarding channels, Shlepchenko emphasized.
Earlier, footage appeared online of Russian "Geran-2", "Molniya-2" and BM-35 "Italmas" strike drones with Starlink terminals. However, in early February 2026, the system stopped working.
Read also materials on the topic:
- Rare Italmas kamikaze drone spotted in photo: capable of flying 200 km
- Cruise missiles are not needed: reactive Geran-3 turned out to be invulnerable to air defense
- Experts told by what year the Russian response to Starlink will be launched - the Rassvet satellite constellation
