Russian drones found using Chinese mesh modems for longer range control
A recent investigation identified Chinese-made mesh networking chips from Shenzhen Xingkai Technology installed in Russian Gerbera drones operating over Ukraine.
Discovery of Chinese hardware
Researchers analyzed technology retrieved from a downed Gerbera drone during an attack on Ukrainian targets. Traces of these mesh modems were found in similar drones as far back as 2024. It remains unclear whether the manufacturer knew the destination of its hardware shipments.
Shift to new technology
Russia appears to have adopted this mesh networking approach after Starlink access was blocked in February 2026. An earlier probe confirmed an order for 30 modems shipped from Shenzhen Xingkai to Vladivostok. The CIA suggests these drones could potentially be used to attack Europe.
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