Russia, China plot to neutralize Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network

Classified documents obtained by European media outlets reveal a deepening military partnership between Russia and China aimed at disabling SpaceX's Starlink constellation. The papers, dating from 2023‑2024, outline a three‑step strategy: first, diplomatic efforts to curb the number of satellites; second, the deployment of electromagnetic jamming and cyber attacks against ground terminals; and third, the development of kinetic anti‑satellite weapons to physically destroy the satellites.

The cooperation includes joint work on advanced air‑ and missile‑defence systems, AI‑driven drones, and the exchange of Russian battlefield intelligence for Chinese micro‑electronics and AI technology. Chinese experts have presented Russian officials with methods to interfere with Starlink frequencies, while Russian firms such as Almaz‑Antey are involved in co‑developing air‑defence solutions. Despite Starlink being officially unavailable in Russia, Russian forces are reportedly using illegally obtained terminals to control drones in Ukraine, where the network is a critical tool for evacuating casualties and coordinating attacks.

Western officials view the effort as a significant escalation in the space‑security arena, prompting discussions of new sanctions and defensive measures. The disclosures highlight the growing role of private satellite infrastructure in modern conflicts and the willingness of state actors to target it through coordinated diplomatic, electronic, and kinetic means.