# Russia Deploys Rassvet Satellite Network to Challenge Starlink Dominance Moscow accelerates domestic satellite production to reduce reliance on Western space-based communication systems. - **Source:** [Sky News Arabia](https://www.skynewsarabia.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c46e4419-80c5-43e3-9430-8f9f1dadd492 ## Strategic Shift in Communications Russia has begun utilizing its domestic Rassvet satellite network for military communications during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Developed by the company Bureau 1440, the project aims to establish a sovereign alternative to Starlink. This move addresses Moscow's strategic vulnerability regarding reliance on foreign-controlled technology for critical battlefield data exchange. ## Current Deployment and Scale As of 2026, Russia has launched 32 satellites for the Rassvet constellation, with deployments occurring in two batches during March and July. While this represents a significant technological step, the network remains limited. In comparison, the American Starlink system operates with over 10,000 active satellites in low-Earth orbit. ## Military Operational Advantages Ukrainian military intelligence suggests the Rassvet network enables data exchange between ground forces and drones during flight. This capability potentially allows for real-time reconnaissance updates and mid-mission course corrections for unmanned aerial vehicles. Such functionality reduces dependence on pre-programmed flight paths and terrestrial communication channels susceptible to electronic warfare. ## Security Council Urgency Russia's Security Council recently emphasized the need to rapidly scale up mass production of satellites and terminal equipment. Officials expressed concerns that Western systems like Starlink and OneWeb could be used to destabilize sovereign states. Consequently, the government is prioritizing the expansion of Rassvet to ensure national information security. ## Limitations of Current Coverage The current constellation size is insufficient to provide continuous, uninterrupted coverage over Ukrainian territory. Intelligence reports indicate that connectivity is intermittent, occurring only during specific windows when satellites pass over the target area. Full operational utility requires significantly more launches and the development of robust ground-based user terminals. ## Long-term Development Goals Bureau 1440 aspires to expand the Rassvet system to include over 900 satellites by 2035. Achieving this target depends on sustained launch cadences and advancements in ground infrastructure. Meanwhile, Kyiv has imposed sanctions on companies linked to the project, attempting to slow the development of this domestic communication capability. ## The Starlink Precedent The war in Ukraine highlighted the critical role of satellite internet for drone operations and battlefield coordination. Although Russian units previously accessed Starlink through unofficial channels, SpaceX implemented measures to disable unauthorized terminals. This forced Moscow to accelerate its own independent infrastructure to maintain military command and control capabilities. ## Future Battlefield Implications The success of the Rassvet project could eventually shift the nature of the conflict beyond mere hardware counts. If Russia achieves stable, wide-scale connectivity, the competition will focus on the ability to keep weapons systems linked to operators. Future effectiveness will depend on signal quality, resistance to jamming, and terminal performance. ## Sources covering this story - [Sky News Arabia — Russia Deploys Rassvet Satellite Network to Challenge Starlink](https://www.skynewsarabia.com/world/1903236-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%B9-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%83-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A8) - [The Moscow Times — Russia Urges Rapid Expansion of Rassvet Satellite Network](https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/11/06/russian-security-council-calls-for-rapid-deployment-of-starlink-rival-satellites-a94196) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._