Mobile communications now a strategic asset in drone warfare – aviation expert

Aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, Deputy CEO of the company producing electronic warfare equipment, and aviation expert, shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

“Russian drones have long used mobile networks to enhance their capabilities. Most Shaheds, for example, have mobile tracking components with SIM cards from non-Ukrainian operators,” the aviation expert said. “So yes, the issue of mobile communications during Russian UAV attacks needs to be addressed.”

He added that after Ukraine's Spider's Web operation, which disrupted Russia's security architecture, it’s clear that mobile networks are now a strategic asset — and can also be used as a countermeasure.

According to Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, mobile communication towers can be used to build a system to help counter enemy drones. That’s why cooperation with mobile operators is important.

“Of course, one simple option is to turn off mobile networks during drone attacks. But we have to consider how many of our (Ukrainian - ed.) firing units and assets rely on mobile communication to get information,” he said.

Khrapchynskyi believes it's necessary to bring mobile operators together and create conditions where they not only monitor for mobile fraud, but also help detect fast-moving objects — such as drones flying at 200 km/h in remote areas without roads.

“We need more active dialogue with mobile operators and must develop technologies that will help us counter Russian drones,” he concluded.

• Earlier, Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov, head of the Center for Radio Technologies and an army communications specialist, said there are no current plans for widespread mobile network shutdowns during Shahed drone attacks. However, he noted that this option might be considered if Russian tactics change.
• On June 8, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence met to discuss mandatory identification of mobile users and the possibility of blocking mobile communications during attacks to help counter Russian UAVs.