Ukraine says Russia accelerates its own Starlink-like satellite network
Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia is deploying a satellite internet system faster than planned, aiming for hundreds of satellites within the next decade.
According to a Ukrainian intelligence official, Russia's Rassvet satellite internet project is progressing more quickly than originally intended, with 16 satellites already in orbit. The deputy head of Ukraine's GUR intelligence service said the plan calls for 292 satellites by 2027 and 924 by 2035, which would allow the network to function similarly to SpaceX's Starlink. At present, the system offers only sporadic connectivity when a satellite passes over Ukrainian territory.
Russian officials are also meeting and surpassing their annual missile production goals, including Zircon, Oniks and Iskander-M missiles, heightening the threat to Ukrainian drone and missile facilities. Kyiv has previously urged SpaceX to disable unauthorized Starlink terminals used by Russian forces in Ukraine. Discussions are reportedly under way in Kyiv on how to counter the emerging Russian satellite capability.
Why it matters
Russia's faster rollout of a Starlink-style network could give its military new communications and targeting abilities in the Ukraine war.
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