Russia is developing a network of "barrage" balloons, called the "Barrier" protection system, inspired by tactics used in World Wars I and II, to defend against Ukrainian drone strikes on its territory.
The balloons can rise up to 300 meters and drop a 250-meter net or use a "vacuum gun" to shoot nets at oncoming drones.
Barrage balloons played a crucial role in Britain's defenses during World War II, forcing enemy aircraft to fly at higher altitudes and posing a risk to those attempting to fly through their anchoring cables, successfully defending against bomber aircraft and protecting urban centers and important locations.
Germany's "sausage" balloon, or Drachenballon (kite balloon), was heavily deployed during World War I for intelligence gathering and artillery spotting due to its unique wind-facing shape. It went into mass production and was sold to several countries for military observation.
Long-range Ukrainian drone strikes have been causing damage to energy infrastructure and other key targets deep inside Russia, prompting the need for improved defenses against low-flying drones targeting sensitive locations.
A Russian aerospace company, First Airship, has developed and tested a prototype of these defense balloons.
Historically, "barrage" balloons were extensively used in World War I to defend against enemy planes, and in World War II to create defenses against bombers and flying bombs, including during the Normandy landings in 1944.
The barrage balloons can be equipped with radar, electronic jammers, video cameras for surveillance within a range of up to 7 miles.
The balloon barrier system is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional air defense systems.
Sources: Business Insider, ABC News, Kyiv Independent, Aussiedlerbote, Southwest Review News, The Telegraph, Military Інформатор (MIL.IN.UA)
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
