- October 23, 2025
- 1:34 pm
- Ukraine
A cold autumn morning. A group of soldiers is diligently working at the winch, trying to cover it under a tree. The process is being observed by an instructor and a commander. Once the winch is hidden and the cable is stretched, a balloon resembling a small airship is extracted from the trailer and attached to the cable.
After checks, it is carefully raised to a height of about 50 meters. “Interesting thing,” the commander notes with slight admiration, causing smiles. However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Among Ukrainian soldiers, there is an opinion that balloons are just an expensive toy for “wealthy units.”
Technology Beyond Time
Balloons, invented more than two centuries ago, seem outdated. During the First World War, they were used for reconnaissance, and in the Second, for protecting strategic objects. They created aerial barriers, forcing enemy planes to rise higher, where they became vulnerable to anti-aircraft artillery.
However, like many technologies, balloons have undergone significant evolution. Modern models are complex technical systems with sensors and emergency landing modules. They can rise to heights from several hundred meters to the stratosphere, carry payloads, and remain airborne for extended periods.
Modern Applications
In 2021, Israel launched the Sky Dew balloon equipped with early warning systems. Poland ordered four balloons with radars from the USA. In the Arctic, the USA uses balloons for reconnaissance and surveillance. These examples show that balloons remain relevant and in demand.
Ukrainian Experience
The popularity of balloons in Ukraine is growing along with the use of drones at the front. The company “Aerobavovna,” founded by Yuriy Visovnen, became the first Ukrainian manufacturer of balloons. They see potential for mass use in this technology.
The company has developed several models differing in volume and payload capacity. The smallest model, AB12DMR, deploys in 7 minutes and lifts up to 6 kg. Larger versions can carry up to 15 kg. The production process is decentralized, but the company plans to consolidate all stages in one place.
Financial Aspects
The cost of one complex is about 700 thousand hryvnias. Operating one balloon costs $15 per day. Despite the high price, more than 50 complexes have already been delivered to the military. The main function is communication support, although other applications are being discussed.
The Future of Balloons
The company “Aerobavovna” continues to develop technologies and integrate various systems. One of the key goals remains the popularization of balloons in the military environment. Visovnen believes that the growth in drone usage will inevitably lead to the spread of balloons as auxiliary platforms.
Balloons, as before, remain at the forefront of technological progress, offering new opportunities for military and civilian applications. Their history continues, fitting into the modern context with ease and grace.
