Russia resorts to desperate World War One defence technique to protect its oil refineries

Russia has deployed a modern iteration of World War I-era barrage balloons to protect its oil refineries from Ukrainian drone strikes. The system utilizes radar-linked motors to adjust the height of tethered cables, aiming to snag incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). While the technology is presented as a sophisticated defensive measure, analysts remain skeptical of its efficacy. Historical precedents show that while barrage balloons were somewhat effective against early V1 rockets, they are largely unsuited for modern, maneuverable drones that can easily fly over or potentially cut through the cable barriers. Experts suggest the deployment may serve more as a propaganda tool than a viable military strategy, as the current setup appears unable to counter the specific threats posed by modern long-range strike drones targeting critical energy infrastructure.