Russia deploys Rassvet satellite system over Ukraine

Rassvet satellite system Bureau 1440 Ukraine war military communications drone warfare

The Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR) has confirmed that Russia is utilizing its new Rassvet satellite network for military communications over Ukrainian territory. Developed by Bureau 1440, the system is intended to provide Russia with a communication infrastructure independent of the US-based Starlink network.

Experts warn that the Rassvet system could enhance the precision of Russian drone attacks. Satellite connections may allow drones to receive new target information or instructions while in flight, potentially increasing the burden on Ukrainian air defenses. Security expert Mykola Zientsev noted early indications that the system might specifically affect jet-drone attacks, though a direct link to specific successful strikes has not been independently proven.

Currently, the system lacks full coverage. Russia launched 32 Rassvet satellites this year, with 16 in March and 16 in July. While the network provides at least two stable communication windows per day over Ukraine, it remains a fraction of the Starlink network, which operates over 10,000 satellites. Russia aims to expand the network to more than 900 satellites by 2035.

In response, Ukraine is working toward its own sovereign space presence. Following the successful launch of the Obrija nano communication satellite with Danish company GomSpace, Ukraine has conducted at least three tests of near-space interception systems to counter threats like the Russian Oreshnik missile.

Entities

Andriy Yusov · Bureau 1440 · HUR · Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine · Rassvet · Russia · SpaceX · Starlink · Ukraine

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] The system could allow drones to receive new targets or information while in flight. www.tz.de · www.upday.com · www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · verige.net · +4 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Russia plans to have more than 900 Rasswet satellites by 2035. www.upday.com · www.hna.de · www.tz.de · technews.tw
[● 5 SOURCES] Bureau 1440 is the company developing the Rasswet system. www.upday.com · www.hna.de · www.tz.de · technews.tw · www.leinetal24.de
[● 7 SOURCES] Russia launched 32 Rasswet satellites this year, with 16 in March and 16 in July. www.tz.de · www.upday.com · www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · eestinen.fi · +2 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The Rasswet system is intended to make Russian forces independent of the Starlink network. www.tz.de · www.upday.com · www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · eestinen.fi
[● 5 SOURCES] The satellites provide at least two stable communication windows per day over Ukraine. www.tz.de · www.upday.com · www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · technews.tw
[● 7 SOURCES] The Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR) confirmed Russia is using the Rasswet satellite system for military communications over Ukraine. www.tz.de · www.upday.com · www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · eestinen.fi · +2 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Security expert Mykola Zientsev reported early signs that Rasswet could affect jet-drone attacks. www.tz.de · www.upday.com · www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · technews.tw