Espreso. Global

Russia installs Starlink on Shahed drones: what are the dangers

26 September, 2024 Thursday
14:15

In a recent night attack, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed a Russian Shahed-136 drone equipped with SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications system. This development heightens the threat posed by the drone

client/title.list_title

Defense Express reported the information.

Photographs obtained by the outlet from its sources reveal a satellite dish marked with serial numbers.

"The implications are significant: we are witnessing the emergence of a robust feedback channel with the drone, enabling not only information transmission but also the ability to alter flight missions from any distance. This marks a shift in the function of the Shahed drone, primarily turning it into a reconnaissance vehicle," the statement elaborated.

Consequently, Russia may increasingly rely on Starlink for the transmission of intelligence, including the locations of Ukrainian air defense systems. Additionally, with the aid of Starlink, Russia could utilize the Shahed as a long-range loitering munition, equipped with an extra camera to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and engage moving targets effectively.

  • Back in May 2024, the Pentagon began working with SpaceX to block Russia's illegal use of Starlink satellite communication terminals.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
19 February
22:10
Ukraine rescues 15 children, including teens forced into Russian military draft
21:55
Updated
Europe reacts to Trump's remarks that Zelenskyy is a "dictator"
21:40
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, February 12-19
Ukrainian forces push back Russian army in some areas of Pokrovsk direction
21:25
Exclusive
Trump unaware of Zelenskyy's real ratings, says political scientist
21:10
Russian forces make significant gains near Andriivka in Donetsk region — DeepState
20:53
OPINION
Zelenskyy fires back at Trump’s remarks with strong response
20:38
Trump calls Zelenskyy “modestly successful comedian”, “dictator without elections”
20:25
Threat from Belarus: how fast can Russia build a strike force?
20:10
Ukrainian soldier does more for U.S. and European security than all NATO armies
19:54
Exclusive
Trump’s stance raises questions about air defense missile supplies – Defense Express
19:38
Putin lies about Russian troops crossing into Ukraine from Kursk region
19:22
What Russia may get from North Korea in March: Shells, ballistic missiles,KN-25 MLRS
19:06
Ukrainian defense industry covers 30% of military needs — Zelenskyy
18:50
Putin's reelection was illegitimate - Ukraine's disinformation center
18:35
Elections during wartime are Russia’s try to defeat Ukraine – Zurabishvili
18:20
"Ukraine doesn’t want peace": Russia’s latest fake narrative led by Putin’s ally
18:04
Exclusive
Ukraine’s battlefield success may turn peace talks upside down — military analyst
17:55
Updated
U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg arrives in Kyiv, holds high-level talks
17:47
North Korean troops in Kursk region told they’re fighting South Korean soldiers
17:31
Trucks and thermal imagers: Ukraine receives new military aid package from Lithuania
17:14
OPINION
Ukraine between predators: How to counter Putin and Trump
16:52
Ukraine’s former top general names key factors for Ukraine’s victory over Russia
16:43
Updated
EU approves 16th sanctions package against Russia
16:32
UK’s “air policing” proposal to Ukraine: Will it make a difference?
16:14
"War cost us $320 billion": Zelenskyy responds to Trump’s aid reimbursement demands
16:07
Ukrainian President names countries opposing Ukraine’s NATO membership
15:54
Exclusive
Russia may test NATO's Article 5 response with localized war in Estonia — Ukrainian officer
15:36
OPINION
U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh: key takeaways
15:24
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, February 12-19
February 12-19 live war map: new encirclement in Kurakhove sector
15:12
Belarus sells rapeseed oil from Ukraine's occupied Kherson region to EU – investigation
14:53
Ukrainian paratroopers repel Russian assault in Kharkiv region: video
14:36
Zelenskyy: If Ukraine joins EU and NATO tomorrow, I will no longer be needed
14:28
Trump claims Zelenskyy's approval rating in Ukraine dropped to 4%, Zelenskyy responds
14:15
Exclusive
New Ukraine-EU defense alliance signals revival of Europe's defense industry — military expert
13:54
Ukraine’s Air Force confirms precision strike on Russian troop dislocation in Zaporizhzhia region
13:32
Elections in Ukraine immediately after ceasefire are unrealistic – Ukrainian MP
12:56
Affiliate Material
I wasn't afraid of causing pain — it helped the wounded: combat medic Lidiia Zabolotska's story
12:35
Russia in Riyadh lies about not targeting Ukraine’s energy sector as it strikes Odesa – Zelenskyy
12:13
OPINION
Ukraine expects unity from Europeans, Europeans expect unity from Ukraine
11:57
Zelenskyy delays Saudi Arabia visit to avoid legitimizing U.S.-Russia talks
More news