Russia Begins Using New Rassvet Satellite Network for Military Communications in Ukraine

Russia has begun directly using its newly developed 'Rassvet' satellite network for military communications in Ukraine. Designed as an alternative to the Starlink network, the system aims to make Russian drone strikes on the battlefield more precise and harder to disrupt through electronic jamming.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine's Ministry of Defence confirmed this significant development in an exclusive interview with international news agency Reuters.

Expansion of Rassvet in Orbit and Its Technical Features

According to Ukrainian intelligence sources, Moscow successfully deployed a total of 32 Rassvet satellites into low Earth orbit in two separate launches in March and July this year. Russian engineers aim to expand the network's coverage by launching additional satellites by the end of 2026, with the ultimate goal of establishing a fully independent low-orbit satellite communication constellation.

Although the current satellite configuration is not yet sufficient to provide uninterrupted, round-the-clock connectivity across Ukrainian territory, military data communications are being maintained intermittently as the satellites pass over the battlefield.

Russia's state-backed 'Bureau 1440' is serving as the principal technical coordinator of this mega-project. The organisation is pursuing the ambitious goal of building a massive space fleet comprising hundreds of satellites within the next decade.

Technical Challenges on the Battlefield and Ukraine's Concerns

According to Ukrainian military analysts, the technology allows Russian military drones to exchange sensitive data in real time and maintain two-way communication with remote pilots. This makes it possible to modify a drone's flight path and altitude instantly while it is airborne, in addition to adjusting its previously designated target distance. This has created an unprecedented challenge for Ukraine's air defence systems and electronic warfare equipment.

Meanwhile, recent and recurring technical and connectivity-speed limitations in the US-backed 'Starshield' service, widely used by Ukrainian forces, have somewhat hampered Kyiv's ability to counter Russian drones in its airspace.

Against this complex backdrop, Kyiv has called for tougher international sanctions on Russia's technology sector to prevent the rapid expansion of its satellite technology capabilities and restrict its access to raw materials.

//DBTech/BMT/OR//