Ukraine’s “Raid” Regiment destroys Russian Starlink alternative

Ukrainian defenders from the “Raid” Regiment report they have destroyed a Russian alternative to the Starlink terminal. In the recent series of strikes, they have detected a communications antenna tuned to the “Yamal-601” satellite on one of the front-line sectors. 

These are alternative solutions — relay networks on antennas and local communication systems between units. They are deployed at a significant distance from the front line.

Key strategic advantage: destroying “Yamal-601” antenna

Destroying the antenna temporarily deprives Russian forces of the ability to coordinate infantry and drone attacks in this sector of the front.

“The network of these satellites partially covers the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory. Therefore, taking each antenna linked to ‘Yamal-601’ out of operation gives our troops an advantage on the battlefield,” the regiment noted.

Limiting Russian coordination of infantry on frontline

Russia presents the Yamal satellite network as an alternative to Starlink. “Yamal-601” is the newest component of this network, launched into orbit in 2019.

“The resilience and flexibility of such a system as an alternative to Starlink directly affects the command and control of enemy forces,” the regiment added.

That is why destroying Russian communication antennas in the frontline zone is a priority task. 

The suspension of the Starlink service left the Russian ground robotic complexes unable to operate. They are designed to support frontline operations by performing tasks that would otherwise put soldiers at risk.

Earlier, Russia began building its own satellite network, Rassvet — “Dawn” — as an alternative to Starlink after its access was cut off last month. Rassvet’s developer, Bureau 1440, launched the first 16 units on 23 March.

The company plans to launch 250 more satellites by 2027. Dmitriy Bakanov, head of Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos, plans to have a total of 900 in orbit by 2035.