"This elevated launch method eliminates the need for drones to drain battery power during takeoff and initial altitude climb, a tactic increasingly utilized by Ukrainian forces for both FPV and mid-strike systems, according to Under Fire News."

"During the Hornet’s transit phase on the aerostat, the drone consumed only 5 percent of its battery capacity, preserving nearly its entire energy reserve for the primary strike mission."

The Ukrainians say that the Hornet drone being tested can have its range successfully doubled from 150km to 300km. But if this is a proof of concept that works, what's to stop this method delivering drones to the other side of the world? There will be little or no propulsion involved as the balloons rely solely on air currents in the upper atmosphere. But even then, if this worked with drones with a range of 1,000km, that still leaves plenty of room for maneuver.

So far, with Ukraine and Iran, drones have given the advantage to the militarily weaker and smaller. This development can only accelerate that trend. High-altitude balloons that can traverse the planet are easily available to researchers & graduate students around the world. If Ukraine has pulled this off, you can bet there are plenty of others watching and inspired to try this out.

Ukraine Tests High-Altitude Balloon Launch to Double Drone Strike Range, Video