AU-21 Puma

The AU-21 Puma is a Russian tethered aerostat system designed to carry an early warning radar at altitudes from 6,600 ft (2,000 m) to 16,400 ft (5,000 m). It can also be used for communications and other missions.

The operational altitude of the aerostat depends on the total weight of the payload. At medium altitude, equipped with a modern radar, the Puma can control an area about 440 mi (700 km) in diameter. Missions include low-altitude missile detection; anti-smuggling; border...