Russia Integrates Chinese Mesh Modems into V2U Strike Drones

Russian forces have equipped the V2U strike drone with Chinese-made Mesh modems to increase its operational effectiveness, according to Serhii Beskrestnov, a consultant to the Ministry of Defense on February 26.

Russian military forces are using similar devices on several other types of unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Gerbera, Shahed, Molniya, and Kub drones, which are actively used during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

 The specific modem found on the V2U drone operates within the 1600-1800 MHz range. However, Beskrestnov noted that this frequency can be adjusted to other ranges as needed.

“A long time ago, intelligence informed us that the enemy was negotiating with a Chinese factory for a contract for hundreds of thousands of Mesh modems. I remember thinking then: “Well, what hundred thousand, that's an unrealistic figure...'” the consultant stated in a post. According to Beskrestnov, Russian forces are now using these Mesh modems “everywhere.”

These Mesh modems allow for the creation of a dynamic network with chain relaying. In this setup, each individual modem acts as a relay for other drones in the area, according to Serhii Beskrestnov.

This type of network is used to maintain communication and control over the drone in real time. A similar modem was recently discovered in an updated version of the Russian Molniya FPV drone.

By using this technology, Russia is connecting its entire drone control segment into a single network across various types of aircraft. This process also standardizes the receiving and transmitting equipment used by their fleet.

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Data from military intelligence indicates that the V2U drone has a wingspan of 1.2 meters and can carry a payload of up to 3.5 kilograms. It is powered by an electric motor that allows for a cruising speed of 60 kilometers per hour, according to Serhii Beskrestnov.

The drone has a flight endurance of up to one hour. Additionally, the drone utilizes artificial intelligence software to handle spatial orientation as well as target search and selection.

Earlier, the Chinese-Russian group PGI Technology developed a new type of reinforced optical fiber by combining Kevlar thread with fiber optic strands, aiming to improve durability and performance in military applications. 

This innovation followed a significant surge in Chinese exports to Russia, where shipments of fiber-optic cables increased nearly tenfold by August 2025. 

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