Russia Booby-Traps Starlink Terminals on Drones to Block Ukrainian Intel Access

Ukrainian military engineers have discovered that Russian forces are now wiring Starlink satellite terminals on their drones with explosive traps, raising concerns over the safety of capturing such equipment and the increasing use of Western technology by Russian troops.

According to the Telegram channel Mines and Coffee with Sandwiches! , which regularly reports on explosive ordnance disposal in Ukraine, the discovery was made on a Russian “Molniya” loitering munition downed approximately 40 kilometers from the frontline.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was equipped with a Starlink terminal and featured a concealed secondary explosive charge designed to destroy the device if retrieved.

The main warhead, composed of two Soviet-era PTAB-2.5KO anti-tank aerial bombs with EDP-r electro-detonators and a Chinese proximity fuse, failed to detonate and separated upon impact.

However, a secondary system was found attached to the Starlink unit—consisting of a 75-gram TNT block with a VZD-3M fuse and MD-5M detonator, intended to ensure the terminal’s destruction in case the primary charge malfunctioned.

“This is a clear example of how even a downed drone can pose significant danger,” the channel noted.

The booby-trapped terminals point to deliberate efforts by Russian forces to prevent Ukrainian intelligence from examining the technology or intercepting sensitive data.

According to the post, these self-destruct mechanisms are becoming part of a broader design strategy in modern Russian UAVs deployed over Ukrainian territory.

Earlier reporting by OSINT investigators documented Russian forces experimenting with unconventional mobility and communications solutions, including the use of horses fitted with improvised mounts carrying Starlink satellite terminals and cameras.

Images and videos circulated on January 8 showed mounted soldiers operating in frontline areas with minimal infrastructure, suggesting attempts to maintain communications and situational awareness amid vehicle shortages and electronic warfare pressure.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW