10 November 2026
The Pluton drone detection ESM system has received expanded capabilities to detect new types of threats.
The developer, INFOZAHYST, told Militarnyi about the system’s enhanced capabilities.
The upgraded system can now detect mesh modems used in Gerbera, Molniya and Geran-type UAVs. Monitoring is carried out on the main known frequencies of 1.5 GHz and 3.4 GHz. The equipment upgrades have expanded its ability to detect potential threats at distances of up to 70 km in a timely manner.
In addition, the new version of the system enables remote monitoring and partial control of any number of Pluton systems. Control is carried out via a specially configured VPN network.
Mesh Modem
The use of mesh modems has become one of the most notable technological upgrades to Russian UAVs in recent times. Unlike a conventional radio channel, a mesh network allows each drone to act simultaneously as both a receiver and a signal repeater.
Mesh Network XK-F358 modem recovered from a Gerbera drone. Source: Serhii Flash
The introduction of such systems extends the control range and allows operators to adjust drone flight paths almost until the engagement moment.
At the same time, this makes jamming communication channels with electronic warfare systems significantly more difficult. If one node is lost, the network automatically searches for an alternative route to transmit data.
Pluton
The Pluton system was developed by Ukrainian company INFOZAHYST to detect a wide range of aerial targets. It can identify FPV drones, as well as Supercam, Zala, Lancet and Orlan reconnaissance and attack UAVs.
The system operates across a detection frequency range of 500–6,000 MHz, which can be extended to 24 GHz. Its operation is based on an algorithm for decoding channels and matching them against a signal database, with the option of customising the frequency plan.
Pluton detection ESM system by INFOZAHYST. Photo credits: Militarnyi
The system can determine not only the distance to a UAV but also calculate its time of approaching the protected facility.
The developers have already provided for the system to cooperate with the Plastun-RP-3000M tactical direction-finding system. This integration simplifies drone detection, enables the automated determination of their coordinates, and facilitates subsequent classification.
The company’s specialists are currently working on implementing digital FPV video detection and control of counter-UAS. These features are expected in the next update and will combine the functions of several separate devices into a single system.
This will be an extremely useful and important tool to counter mafia drones.
It’s hard to believe that no Western country seems to be developing such a system. Or are they still so far behind? What gives?