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Russia May Deploy Its Own Starlink-Like Network Across Front Line Within a Year, Ukrainian Commander Says
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Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi said Russia could develop its own battlefield alternative to the Starlink satellite communication network within a year.
Speaking in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda on May 14, Brovdi, known by the call sign “Madyar,” said Russian forces have already begun testing prototype systems designed to strengthen communications in a manner similar to Starlink.
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According to him, Russian access to Starlink has been restricted, but Moscow continues developing its own satellite capabilities.
“They already have their own satellite system, and they have prototypes of signal-enhancing systems similar to Starlink,” Brovdi said. “Yes, they are primitive, easy to detect, large in size, and so on. But it is only a matter of time.”
He warned that Russia’s technological adaptation on the battlefield remains rapid and could significantly improve over the coming months.
“In a year, they will evolve and have their own alternative network along the entire front line,” he added.
Recently, Militarnyi reported that Russian low-Earth orbit satellites from the “Rassvet” program may currently offer Russian forces intermittent battlefield connectivity over Ukraine, serving as an emerging alternative to Starlink.
Analysts identified three operational prototype satellites manufactured by the Russian firm Bureau 1440. These satellites, moving in a coordinated orbital cluster, were observed passing directly over Ukrainian territory. Each pass creates a temporary communication window lasting roughly 15–20 minutes.
While brief, these intervals allow for the establishment of data links, providing practical, albeit limited, utility for military communications. Militarnyi notes that even in this early configuration, the system could support operational requirements, especially if the satellites' positions are optimized to maximize coverage over the front lines.
Despite Ukraine's effective efforts to limit Russia’s access to Starlink on the front lines, Russian forces have found a new use for the technology on their "shadow fleet" oil tankers.
An investigation published by the Kyiv Independent found that SpaceX satellite terminals have been integrated into tankers transporting Russian crude. The vessels utilize this connectivity to synchronize maneuvers while intentionally masking their tracking data from maritime observers and other ships.
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