Russia continues to develop its own Starlink-like satellite internet system under the Bureau 1440 project. While 16 Rassvet satellites are already in orbit, experts say a much larger constellation will be needed before the network can provide continuous coverage.
The assessment was made by Ukrainian Defense Ministry adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known by the call sign “Flash”.
According to Beskrestnov, Russia fully understands the importance of low-Earth-orbit satellite communications for modern warfare and is therefore actively pursuing its own alternative to Starlink.
“The enemy needs a Russian Starlink. Russia clearly understands the value of high-speed data transmission through low-orbit satellites,” he said.
Beskrestnov noted that the first 16 Rassvet satellites are already operating in orbit. However, a stable and uninterrupted service would require at least 200 to 250 satellites. Current plans reportedly envision launching 300 satellites initially, followed by another 700 in the future.
At the same time, the Defense Ministry adviser believes the existing constellation is still too small to support continuous military use.
He explained that, in theory, the satellites can already provide high-speed communications for about six to ten minutes while passing over a specific area. However, they currently pass over Ukraine only about once a day, making reliable connectivity impossible.
Beskrestnov suggested that Russian forces could theoretically install satellite internet terminals on Shahed attack drones and coordinate missions during satellite overpasses. Nevertheless, he described such a scenario as operationally complex and unlikely at this stage.
He added that any military use of the system would likely be detected through satellite traffic analysis, intelligence gathering or examination of captured equipment.
Commenting on possible countermeasures, Beskrestnov noted that Russia has failed to effectively neutralize Starlink operations in Ukraine despite four years of full-scale war.
“Therefore, I think we may not be able to do much either, although I do have some crafty ideas. It is too early to test them now,” he said.
According to the adviser, the current group of 16 Rassvet satellites remains in a testing phase, and there is still no confirmed evidence that the system is being used for military operations.
