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# Russia's Rassvet Satellite Network Enters Ukraine War, Kyiv Intelligence Says
- URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/russias-rassvet-satellite-network-enters-ukraine-war-kyiv-intelligence-says/
- Published: 2026-11-07T06:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-07T05:59:59.000Z
- Description: Ukrainian intelligence says Russia is using its 32-satellite Rassvet network for military drone communications, potentially reducing reliance on ground-based links.
- Author: AdriaDefense Desk
- Tags: Russia, Ukraine, Drones, Industry, Intelligence

Russia has begun using its domestically developed Rassvet satellite network to support military communications over Ukraine, according to Ukrainian defense intelligence, potentially giving Russian forces a new way to control reconnaissance and attack drones beyond the reach of conventional radio links.

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) told Reuters on November 6 that the system could enable two-way communication with unmanned aircraft during flight, allowing operators to receive surveillance data and adjust attack routes after launch.

The development marks an important step in Moscow's effort to establish an alternative to Western low-Earth-orbit satellite communications networks, although Rassvet remains considerably smaller and less capable than SpaceX's Starlink constellation.

## Russia Has Launched 32 Rassvet Satellites

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia placed 32 Rassvet satellites into orbit during two launches in March and July 2026\. Russian government officials have separately acknowledged deploying more than 30 satellites as part of the program.

Rassvet is being developed by Bureau 1440, a Russian satellite communications company that plans to establish a constellation of more than 900 satellites by 2035.

The network is intended to provide broadband connectivity through satellites in low Earth orbit, reducing dependence on terrestrial communications infrastructure. Its potential military applications include communications with mobile units, reconnaissance aircraft and unmanned systems.

However, the existing constellation provides only intermittent coverage. Unlike Starlink, which operates thousands of satellites, Rassvet currently depends on comparatively short periods when its spacecraft are positioned to provide a usable connection.

A Kyiv-based security analyst cited by Reuters estimated that Russia already has at least two effective daily communications windows, each lasting more than an hour.

## Why Satellite Connectivity Matters for Russian Drones

Satellite communications could make some Russian unmanned aircraft less dependent on preprogrammed routes and vulnerable line-of-sight radio connections.

With a functioning two-way link, drone operators may be able to update missions during flight, transmit reconnaissance information and respond to changing battlefield conditions. The capability could be particularly relevant to longer-range attack drones and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Satellite connectivity does not make drones immune to electronic warfare. However, it introduces additional communications paths that defenders must consider when attempting to disrupt or intercept unmanned aircraft.

The development follows other Russian efforts to improve drone capabilities through modifications to airframes, electronics and communications systems. Ukrainian intelligence recently [identified foreign electronic components in an enlarged version of Russia's Gerbera-2 drone](https://www.adriadefense.com/ukraine-identifies-foreign-components-in-russias-new-gerbera-2-drone/).

## Ukraine Targets Rassvet's Industrial Network

The Rassvet program is also attracting attention because of its industrial supply chain.

Ukrainian intelligence has identified 49 companies from Russia and Belarus that it says are involved in the project. Kyiv has imposed sanctions on 10 companies associated with the network and is seeking additional restrictions from the United States.

Ukrainian officials have also alleged that Chinese-origin components are being used in the system. Those supply-chain allegations have not been independently established in the reporting.

Russia's Defense Ministry did not provide Reuters with a response to its questions about military use of Rassvet.

For the wider defense industry, the significance of the program extends beyond the number of satellites already deployed. If Russia succeeds in expanding Rassvet and integrating its terminals into unmanned systems, satellite communications could become a more persistent element of Russian military operations.

For now, the network's limited scale remains an important constraint, and Ukrainian claims about its operational impact cannot be independently verified.