KI Insights: Russia Extends Drone Control Range to 175 km Using Mesh Networks

Russian forces have significantly extended the control range of strike drones by using MIMO mesh-network technology.

It is evidenced in a report by Kyiv-based analytical center KI Insights, which tracks technological developments in the Russo-Ukrainian war through analysis of captured weapons and equipment, Calibre Defence informs.

According to Ukrainian sources, a chain of relay nodes can maintain a stable connection with Geran-series drones and other UAVs at distances of up to 150–175 km from the farthest ground station. This is approximately twice the range of Russian mesh-network systems documented in 2025.

This enables operators to adjust the drones’ flight paths and direct them toward targets deep in the operational-tactical rear area.

The main factor limiting any further increase in range remains the quality and latency of video transmission. However, high latency is not critical for Russian forces because these UAVs are used primarily against stationary targets, such as railway and fuel infrastructure and communications facilities.

The significant increase in network range has been enabled by the deployment of new ground-based communications towers near the front line and along the borders. In particular, Russian forces have actively used similar radio towers along the Belarusian border to conduct long-range strikes with Geran and Gerbera UAVs against Kyiv and northwestern regions of Ukraine.

This type of ground-to-air infrastructure has proven highly effective in positional warfare. It provides a resilient communications network for reconnaissance and strike UAVs without the need for satellite communications.