Ukraine Deploys Airborne Relay Drones to Extend Operational Reach and Combat Jamming

Extending the Battlefield Reach

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) account for more than 95% of front-line losses for Russian forces, maintaining a reliable connection between operators and their drones has become a critical priority. To overcome the limitations of ground-based antennas and the challenges of complex terrain, Ukrainian units are increasingly deploying drones that function as airborne relay stations. These flying communications bridges act similarly to Wi-Fi repeaters, relaying commands from the pilot to the mission drone while simultaneously transmitting video and intelligence data back to the operator.

By operating at higher altitudes than ground-based equipment, these relay drones significantly extend the operational range of strike and reconnaissance aircraft. According to Rostyslav Olenchyn, co-founder of Twist Robotics, the company’s Saker Scout drone was repurposed from a reconnaissance platform into a dedicated signal relay station to meet the evolving needs of the battlefield. The company claims this modification can extend the operational range of connected drones by more than 50 kilometers.

A Response to Electronic Warfare

The shift toward airborne repeaters is largely a response to the sophisticated electronic warfare tactics employed on both sides of the conflict. Russia’s ability to jam communication signals poses a constant threat to drone operations. Airborne repeaters help mitigate this by strengthening the communications link, making it more resilient against interference. However, experts note that while these relays improve signal stability, they do not render the system immune to disruption, as the relay drones themselves remain potential targets.

Beyond signal strength, these systems address the danger of signal tracing. Both sides in the conflict have demonstrated the ability to track drone control signals back to the operator’s location to launch counter-strikes. By utilizing relay drones, operators can potentially maintain a safer distance from the immediate front line while still controlling assets deep within contested territory.

Innovation and Adaptation

The use of aircraft as communication middlemen is not a new concept, but the application of small, versatile drones is a distinct evolution. While militaries have historically used crewed aircraft for relay purposes, such assets are often too vulnerable to survive in the heavily contested, air-defense-saturated environment of the Ukrainian battlefield. Small, uncrewed platforms offer a more sustainable solution.

The Ukrainian defense industry has responded rapidly to this demand. Various companies are now involved in the space, with some firms like Roboneers developing versions of existing drones, such as the Wardog, to carry up to three kilograms of relay equipment. Others, like Skyriper, have produced dedicated platforms like the Skyriper-R Airborne Repeater designed specifically for this function. Dmytro “Liber” Zhluktenko, a former drone operator and analyst with the 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment, noted that units are repurposing various airframes—including fixed-wing and bomber-type drones—to serve as long-endurance signal carriers that can remain aloft for over an hour.

A Global Battlefield Trend

The reliance on relay technology has transitioned from an optional enhancement to an essential component of modern drone warfare. Ukrainian state-backed innovation platform Brave1 has highlighted that long-distance operations in difficult terrain are increasingly dependent on these repeater devices. The urgency of this development is reflected in the rapid iteration cycles of manufacturers; Twist Robotics, for instance, reports releasing new updates or functional techniques every two weeks to keep pace with the rapid obsolescence of battlefield technology.

This tactical shift is not confined to Ukraine. Military forces worldwide, including the United States Marine Corps, are actively experimenting with methods to extend drone operational distances and maintain connectivity. Whether through the use of “mothership” aircraft or relay hand-offs, the global military focus remains on the same fundamental challenge: ensuring that drones remain effective tools for intelligence and strike missions at tactically relevant distances from their operators.

Source: businessinsider.com