Russian Molniya drones now seen carrying same equipment as Shahed drones
Photo: Russian Molniya drone (facebook.com/Serhii.Flash)
Russia has begun installing the MESH modem on its Molniya strike drones. It is the same as the one used on Shahed, Gerbera, and Kub drones, but smaller, according to a statement by Ukrainian Defense Ministry advisor Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov on Telegram.
Read also: Russia uses Shahed drones to carry FPV drones - Ukrainian forces alerted
"A military colleague sent me a photo of the equipment from the new Molniya. Unfortunately, this is exactly what I 'feared.' The Russians have installed a MESH modem on the Molniya, the same as on Shaheds, Gerberas, and Kubs, but smaller. Its power is two channels at 5 watts. The frequency range is currently 1300–1500 MHz," he said in his statement.
He noted that the Russian army is connecting the entire drone control segment of different types into a single network in this way. He added that this is also leading to a "standardization of the transceiver equipment."
Photo: enemy Molniya drone with a MESH modem (facebook.com/Serhii.Flash)
Photo: enemy Molniya drone with a MESH modem (facebook.com/Serhii.Flash)
Photo: enemy Molniya drone with a MESH modem (facebook.com/Serhii.Flash)
Photo: enemy Molniya drone with a MESH modem (facebook.com/Serhii.Flash)
"What will they do next? Connect the loitering munitions to this single control network. Well, we have something to tell the Russians about that. The main thing is to see their plans in advance and on time," the defense ministry advisor wrote.
What is a MESH modem
A MESH modem is a modern network made up of several modules (nodes) that operate as a single unit, designed to eliminate communication "dead zones."
Their use in drones allows the formation of a dynamic network with chain relaying, where each modem acts as a repeater for the others.
Modernization of Russian weapons
In September 2025, it was reported that debris from one of the Shaheds revealed, for the first time, equipment for converting a drone into FPV format.
Additionally, it was recently reported that the Russian military technology sector has started industrial production of new drone munitions. This shows that the enemy is trying to build a stable system of supply and standardization of weaponry.
