China's Latest Stratospheric Drone May Become a "Starlink" Alternative

Reference News Network, February 26 According to the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" website on February 18, the stratospheric drone "Argus" developed by Russia will begin test flights in March. This drone is expected to provide the Russian military and other users with high-speed networks similar to the "Starlink" system. In addition, "Argus" can disrupt enemy communications and monitor ground situations in real-time. It will conduct monitoring at altitudes of 15 to 24 kilometers, which are unreachable by light air defense systems. The test flights will start with a scaled-down model of the drone, and if the tests go well, developers will assemble a full-sized version with a wingspan of 40 meters. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 17th that the recent shutdown of "Starlink" terminals has not affected the command and communication systems of the Russian military in the special military operation zone, but experts believe it is necessary to establish alternative communication channels for the military.

Functionally, "Argus" is similar to artificial Earth satellites, with its main feature being its flight altitude. Portable air defense missile systems can only hit targets flying at altitudes below 15 kilometers. Therefore, to shoot down "Argus," the enemy must use heavy missiles, such as the S-300 or "Patriot."

Nicolas Oksman, the head of the stratospheric drone project, told "Izvestia": "The price of such missiles is several times that of the drone. If the enemy is determined to shoot down 'Argus,' they will have to spend millions of dollars to destroy a relatively worthless aircraft, which is tantamount to losing the economic battle before the fight even begins."

He stated that the drone can achieve unlimited flight time using solar energy. Flight control has both automatic and manual modes. Unlike satellites that continuously orbit, "Argus" can fly to target areas and hover above them.

The developer pointed out: "'Argus' can act as a communication operator because it can transmit high-definition video, provide communication for the front lines, and control other drones. Given that Russia does not yet have a large-scale satellite constellation for real-time transmission of massive data, the capabilities of this drone are particularly important."

The device can also be used as a multifunctional "jammer." Modern Western weapons largely rely on satellite navigation and communication systems. The antennas of these systems face upwards, so simply placing the terminal in a trench or terrain depression can hide it from ground electronic warfare systems. Meanwhile, "Argus," located in the stratosphere, observes targets from above, rendering the enemy's defensive measures meaningless.

Pavel Sergeyev, a veteran of Russian military communications, told "Izvestia": "In the context of the U.S. shutting down 'Starlink' terminals in the special military operation zone, establishing additional alternative communication channels for Russian forces in the zone is becoming a national security issue."

Sergeyev believes that the "Argus" project has great potential, although there is controversy regarding its claimed payload of 40 kilograms compared to its total weight of 315 kilograms. On one hand, Russian communication equipment is often heavier than similar Western products, so this aircraft may face issues with payload capacity. On the other hand, increasing payload capacity is extremely difficult because every additional kilogram of payload requires more battery capacity, and the batteries themselves are already heavy.

Additionally, there are three limiting factors that will affect the application of stratospheric aircraft. The first is the energy balance issue; currently, the efficiency of solar panels and the energy density of batteries cannot support sustained long-duration flights. The second is atmospheric conditions; the stratosphere can have persistent strong winds, and resisting this natural force while keeping the aircraft stationary is difficult in terms of energy consumption. The third is material issues; to fly at altitudes above 15 kilometers, the drone must be lightweight yet extremely sturdy to withstand the impacts of turbulence. (Translated by Li Ran)