https://sputnikglobe.com/20240510/battlefield-air-balloons-what-are-they-used-for-1118376216.html
Battlefield Air Balloons: What Are They Used For?
Battlefield Air Balloons: What Are They Used For?
Sputnik International
Russian forces use advanced air defenses and electronic warfare systems to effectively shoot down unmanned Ukrainian air balloons, experts told Sputnik.
2024-05-10T15:44+0000
2024-05-10T15:44+0000
2024-05-10T15:44+0000
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russia
ukraine
hot air balloon
special operation
air defense
weather
electronic warfare system
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Russia has destroyed 37 Ukrainian air balloons since the beginning of the special military operation, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. However, using such balloons is also not uncommon for Russian forces stationed on the front lines.These objects are typically equipped with the so-called corner reflectors designed to help the balloons remain in stealth mode for radars and detect enemy air defenses, Andrey Koshkin, a veteran Russian academic specializing in military and international affairs, told Sputhik.The main advantage of these state-of-the-art balloons is that they can be fitted with advanced radar stations and the above-mentioned corner reflectors, according to Koshkin.He added that as far as Russia is concerned, it effectively downs Ukrainian balloons by using sophisticated air defenses and electronic warfare systems.Koshkin was echoed by veteran Russian military observer and political analyst Evgeny Mikhailov, who told Sputnik that Ukrainian balloons become easy targets for Russian troops not least because these objects are unmanned.As for the goals, the air balloons could also be used for monitoring weather and for reconnaissance purposes, Mikhailov concluded, recalling that Ukrainian forces unsuccessfully tried to use the objects to carry ammunition.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240416/russia-prevents-ukraines-attack-on-kursk-region-with-use-of-small-balloon---defense-ministry-1117954345.html
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special military operation, russian forces, ukrainian forces, use of air balloons by ukrainian troops, use of air ballons by russian forces
special military operation, russian forces, ukrainian forces, use of air balloons by ukrainian troops, use of air ballons by russian forces
Battlefield Air Balloons: What Are They Used For?
Russian forces use advanced air defenses and electronic warfare systems to shoot down unmanned Ukrainian air balloons, as well as using the balloons themselves, experts told Sputnik.
Russia has destroyed 37 Ukrainian air balloons since the beginning of
the special military operation, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. However, using such balloons is also not uncommon for Russian forces stationed on the front lines.
These objects are typically equipped with the so-called corner reflectors designed to help the balloons remain in stealth mode for radars and detect enemy air defenses, Andrey Koshkin, a veteran Russian academic specializing in military and international affairs, told Sputhik.
"These balloons will also help resolve a number of problems related to providing ‘layered defense’ if they are located 20-30 kilometers from the border or the front line so that they could not be destroyed," the expert added, in an apparent reference to the ongoing special operation.
The main advantage of these state-of-the-art balloons is that they can be fitted with advanced radar stations and the above-mentioned corner reflectors, according to Koshkin.
He added that as far as Russia is concerned, it effectively downs
Ukrainian balloons by using sophisticated air defenses and electronic warfare systems.
Koshkin was echoed by veteran Russian military observer and political analyst Evgeny Mikhailov, who told Sputnik that Ukrainian balloons become easy targets for Russian troops not least because these objects are unmanned.
"So I think Russian forces will continue to successfully shoot down any Ukrainian air balloons even if they become invisible. In any case, this is a hopeless weapon in Ukraine’s fight against Russia," the analyst pointed out.
As for the goals, the air balloons could also be used for monitoring weather and for reconnaissance purposes, Mikhailov concluded, recalling that Ukrainian forces unsuccessfully tried to use the objects to carry ammunition.
