Russia plans to create a Starlink-like system with more than 900 satellites
Russia is accelerating the deployment of its own Rassvet satellite system, which is designed to operate on the same principle as Starlink. Moscow plans to form a constellation of 292 satellites by 2027 and, in the long term, increase that number to over 900.
This was reported by Major General Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
Currently, Russia has 16 satellites in this system. Due to their small number, Rassvet can so far provide communication coverage over Ukrainian territory only during limited periods of time—when one of the satellites passes over a specific area.
“They have already begun launching them much faster than originally planned,” Skibitsky noted.
According to Moscow’s plans, after reaching 292 satellites in 2027, the satellite constellation is to be expanded to 924 units by 2035.
“Once Russia deploys its full satellite constellation, the system will operate like Starlink. Discussions are already underway on how to counter this,” said the GUR representative.
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet plays a crucial role for the Ukrainian military, particularly in providing communications and supporting the operation of unmanned systems. The network does not officially operate within Russia, but the Russian military has used terminals purchased on the gray market at the front lines. Earlier this year, following requests from Ukraine, SpaceX restricted their operation.
At the same time, Russia is ramping up its missile production. According to Skibitsky, Moscow has already met its annual production target for “Zircon” and “Onyx” missiles in the first seven months of the year, and is exceeding its overall missile production targets for 2026 by 10–20%.
Intelligence estimates current stockpiles of “Iskander-M” ballistic missiles—which Russia is actively using to strike Ukraine—at approximately 130 units. According to Skibitsky, Russia manufactured another 65 such missiles in July alone. At the same time, Ukrainian production facilities involved in the development of ballistic missiles and drones have become a priority target for Russian strikes.
Thus, Moscow is simultaneously attempting to expand its military satellite communications capabilities and build up its missile potential, while Ukraine is already preparing countermeasures against Russia’s new capabilities.
Source: Reuters.
As a reminder, Putin has called for increased support for the war among Russians.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin instructed the command of the Russian Navy to respond “resolutely” to attempts by Western countries to detain Russian tankers. He made this statement during a meeting with Russian fleet commanders.
