Battlefield DIY: Russian Forces Hide Electronic Warfare Antennas Inside Artificial Tree Decoys to Evade Drone Detection

Russian units are camouflaging electronic warfare gear inside artificial "logs" to evade Ukrainian drones after Starlink access was restricted.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 8:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ECONEWS, UNITED24 Media, and Anadolu Agency

The Rise of Low-Tech Camouflage in High-Tech War

In a war defined by the constant surveillance of small quadcopters and first-person-view (FPV) drones, Russian forces have turned to rudimentary do-it-yourself tactics to protect their most sensitive electronics. Ukrainian radio technology expert and military advisor Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov reported in early March 2026 that specialized decoys, designed to resemble tree trunks and logs, are being used to mask signal equipment. These structures are built using a plastic or metal mesh framework, which is then coated with industrial mounting foam to mimic the texture of bark. Once painted to match the local environment, the hollow "trees" house antennas that are essential for relaying battlefield orders and maintaining unit connectivity.

Targeting the Invisible Infrastructure of Electronic Warfare

Electronic warfare assets and drone control points have become the highest priority targets for Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance, as these systems are responsible for jamming Ukrainian signals and steering Russian kamikaze drones. According to Beskrestnov, the "hunt for antennas" is the primary method for locating these hidden assets, as metal masts and cables are difficult to conceal naturally in forested or rural landscapes. By embedding these metal structures within artificial logs, Russian units hope to delay detection by drone operators who are scanning at high altitudes. If an antenna is spotted, it often reveals the location of an entire communication hub, making it a "prime target" for immediate artillery strikes or FPV drone attacks.

The Starlink Lockdown and Russia’s Backup Plan

The necessity for these camouflaged relay points has intensified following a successful crackdown on unauthorized Starlink use within Russian-controlled territories. In early February 2026, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the implementation of a "white list" verification procedure in coordination with SpaceX, ensuring only registered Ukrainian terminals remain active. Consequently, Russian troops have been forced to transition to domestic geostationary satellite systems, specifically the Yamal-601 and Express series. Unlike the compact and mobile Starlink terminals, these domestic alternatives rely on large, open satellite dishes—typically two to four feet in diameter—which are significantly more difficu...