Infozahyst, the developer of the Pluton drone detection electronic support measures (ESM) system, announced that it has extended capabilities of the equipment to detect new threats, specifically in response to the use of mesh modems in Russian drones.
Russia’s use of mesh modems was suspected in April and confirmed after the components of an XK-F358 mesh modem recovered from a Gerbera drone in April and identified by Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, a technological adviser to the President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Mesh Network XK-F358 modem recovered from a Gerbera drone. Source: Serhii Flash
Mesh networks allow the individual user, in this case a drone, to act as both a receiver and a signal repeater. These extend the range over which control can be exerted and that allows the operator to adjust drone flight paths until the final impact.
The mesh modem also makes it significantly more difficult for electronic warfare (EW) systems to jam communication channels as the network automatically searches for an alternative data link if the operational connection is lost.
Pluton detection ESM system by INFOZAHYST. Photo credits: Militarnyi
The Pluton Upgrade
Pluton was developed to detect a wide range of aerial targets, including reconnaissance and first-person view (FPV) attack drones.
Pluton is now able to monitor the main known frequencies used by Russia – 1.5 and 3.4 GHz – more rapidly over an increased range of up to 70 kilometers (44 miles). This upgrade allows remote monitoring and partial control of several Pluton systems simultaneously over a dedicated, special VPN network.
Sources: Kyiv Post; MILITARNYI