Russia using own version of Starlink for military comms over Ukraine, Kyiv says
Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) reports Russia has begun operating its Rassvet low-earth orbit satellite network for military communications over Ukraine, enabling strike drones to transmit reconnaissance data in real time. The system, described as a domestic alternative to Starlink, is already active on the battlefield according to Kyiv. Moscow plans additional Rassvet launches before the end of 2026 to expand geographic coverage toward a full low-orbit constellation. The development marks a shift from reliance on commercial satellite services to an indigenous, military-controlled architecture.
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- ✓ Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) states Russia is using the Rassvet satellite network for military communications over Ukraine.
- ✓ Rassvet is described as a homegrown alternative to Starlink and is being used to transmit reconnaissance data from strike drones.
- ✓ Moscow plans further Rassvet launches by the end of 2026 to increase network coverage toward a full low-orbit system.
- ✓ The planned Rassvet constellation consists of 374 satellites.
What changed
Ukrainian defence intelligence confirmed operational use of Rassvet for Russian military communications and drone operations over Ukraine, moving the system from development to active battlefield deployment.
Live updates
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Ukraine says Russia using Rassvet satellite network for military comms over battlefield
Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) reports Russia has begun operating its Rassvet low-earth orbit satellite network for military communications over Ukraine, enabling strike drones to transmit reconnaissance data in real time. The system, described as a domestic alternative to Starlink, is already active on the battlefield according to Kyiv. Moscow plans additional Rassvet launches before the end of 2026 to expand geographic coverage toward a full low-orbit constellation. The development marks a shift from reliance on commercial satellite services to an indigenous, military-controlled architecture.
Why it matters
Russia has accelerated development of Rassvet after experiencing vulnerabilities in commercial satellite communications during the war. The Russian Security Council has urged rapid deployment of the constellation, which is planned to reach 374 satellites. Operational use over Ukraine represents the first confirmed battlefield employment of the system, reducing Russian dependence on external providers and complicating Ukrainian electronic warfare efforts.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) states Russia is using the Rassvet satellite network for military communications over Ukraine.
- Rassvet is described as a homegrown alternative to Starlink and is being used to transmit reconnaissance data from strike drones.
- Moscow plans further Rassvet launches by the end of 2026 to increase network coverage toward a full low-orbit system.
- The planned Rassvet constellation consists of 374 satellites.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia is teaming up with Belarus on the Rassvet programme, with implications for Baltic states security.
What to watch next
- Completion of next Rassvet launch tranche before year-end 2026
- Ukrainian electronic warfare adaptation to Rassvet signals
- Expansion of Rassvet coverage beyond Ukrainian theatre
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (20)
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