Russia put SIM cards in its exploding one-way attack drones to use Ukraine’s cellphone network for strikes, war expert says

Russia’s use of the cell network in Ukraine is not all upside, though. There are vulnerabilities as well.

“There is of course something rather suspicious about a mobile phone travelling at 350 kmph, and so these behaviours could be tracked, and it is possible to cut off SIMs identified as being used for such malicious purposes,” Watling wrote.

“This is only possible, however, if the mobile phone network has effective relationships with security organisations,” he said.

Russia appears to have been using SIM cards to help direct and pilot its Shahed drones since late 2023, when Ukrainians discovered 4G modems that connect to the country’s Kyivstar telecommunications network in drones that had been shot down.

Cellphones and related technology have played a role on both sides of the war, with Russia and Ukraine using enemy signals to aid in their targeting and strikes. Cellular data, for instance, can be used to pinpoint the location of large troop gatherings, which can then make soldiers vulnerable to attacks.

Some militaries are trying to rein this behavior in. Russia, for instance, has repeatedly, albeit unsuccessfully, tried to get a handle on this problem. And recognizing the challenge, US Army officers have also been warning American forces that bringing personal devices to a future fight could have serious consequences.

However, Watling argued militaries shouldn’t view phones solely as threats.

“Soldiers should plan to leverage the advantages of these networks and be properly informed about the associated risks and accompanying mitigations,” he said. “Used properly, mobile phone networks can help militaries to hide in the noise, distribute critical data, and deconflict with civilian authorities.”