Russia is deploying electronic warfare systems to block Starlink – Reuters
Russian forces have stepped up their efforts to counter Ukrainian medium- and long-range drones, which use Starlink satellite communications for data transmission and real-time control. To counter this communication channel, the occupying forces have deployed specialized electronic warfare (EW) systems.
According to Serhiy Beskrestnov (“Flash”), an advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, the main tool used by Russia to counter Starlink is a system called “Volna Kupol Garant.”
How it works: The system generates powerful jamming signals in the 14–14.5 GHz frequency band, which is used for communication between Starlink satellites and terminals. The system consists of several antennas pointed toward the sky that “blind” satellites flying over the area, preventing them from reliably receiving signals from ground terminals.
Technical specifications: The system is mounted on six trailers and can be powered by either generators or external power grids. A single such system is capable of disrupting the operation of terminals over an area of up to 20 square kilometers (the system’s coverage radius is approximately 3–4 km).
Effectiveness and Cost: The cost of a single such system is estimated at approximately $1.5 million. Although Russia is attempting to use “Volna” to protect strategic facilities (fuel depots, command posts), the system has a significant drawback: due to its powerful emissions, it is easily detected by radio reconnaissance, making it a priority target for Ukrainian strike drones and artillery.
Adaptation of Russian Logistics
In addition to technical electronic warfare (EW) measures, Russia has significantly altered its logistics schemes in an effort to protect critical supplies from attacks by Ukrainian long-range UAVs:
Camouflage: Military cargo is transported in civilian vehicles—tankers repainted to look like milk or water trucks, as well as ordinary passenger cars.
Dispersal: Fuel and ammunition are moved in small batches on ATVs, motorcycles, or in small convoys under the cover of pickup trucks equipped with machine guns.
Concealment: Supplies are dispersed among dugouts, abandoned agricultural buildings, hangars, and even on the grounds of civilian gas stations.
Countermeasures and Outlook
The Ukrainian Defense Forces are responding effectively to this new threat. In recent weeks, the destruction of several “Volna-Kupol-Garant” systems has been confirmed, after which Starlink communications in the relevant areas of operations were restored. Military experts emphasize that, despite Russia’s attempts to adapt, the war remains a technological contest in which every enemy attempt to jam communications is quickly detected and neutralized.
This was reported by Reuters.
On June 15, the 422nd Unmanned Systems Regiment of the 17th Army Corps and the SBU’s Special Operations Center “A” successfully struck such a station in the southern sector.
In occupied Kerch, a Russian “Volna Kupol Garant” electronic warfare system—which was used to jam Starlink satellite communications—was destroyed.
