Ukraine says Russia is mass-producing Rassvet satellites with Chinese chips

Ukraine's armed forces say Russia has begun mass production of the Rassvet small-satellite communications network, incorporating electronic parts supplied by Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group. The constellation aims to support remote-controlled drones by delivering live video streams, potentially expanding their operational range beyond the front line. Russia sent 32 satellites into orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome this year, yet the network presently offers coverage over Ukraine for just two to four and a half hours each day.

Full-scale functionality would require about 250 satellites, according to experts. Ukraine has asked the International Telecommunication Union to withhold frequency allocations for Rassvet over its territory, citing military use concerns. The United States previously sanctioned Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics for providing military technology to Russia.