According to Beskrestnov, Russian forces use mesh network
that allows operators in Russia to control Shahed drones through radio modems
installed on the UAVs and to manually search for targets.
To counter the threat, authorities decided to create a
protective dome over the capital to disrupt those communications.
Beskrestnov said the operation was prepared over several
weeks. Major EW manufacturers took part, working around the clock to produce
and install the equipment. Hundreds of locations across the city had to be
equipped with antennae and other devices.
The General Staff, the Defense Ministry, the Interior
Ministry, the National Security and Defense Council, the Office of the
President, and other units of Ukraine’s defense forces participated in the
operation, Beskrestnov said.
He said the operation was challenging from both technical
and organizational standpoints.
“This operation forced the enemy to pause, modernize its
Shaheds, and look for other solutions,” Beskrestnov said.
Earlier, Beskrestnov reported that Russian forces used waves
of older Shahed drones with gasoline engines in mass attacks overnight on Nov.
1. He said Russia apparently expected the heavy cloud cover over Ukraine to
make it more difficult for drone-interceptor crews to counter the UAVs.