Russia is using Starlink satellite terminals to extend the range and precision of attack drones targeting Ukraine, raising new security concerns, according to Ukrainian officials and analysts cited by CNN.
Ukrainian military adviser Serhii Beskrestnov said hundreds of Russian drones equipped with Starlink have been used in strikes on civilian areas, allowing Moscow to bypass Ukraine’s electronic jamming defenses.
A Russian BM-35 drone has been confirmed using Starlink for control for the first time. Shahed drones may soon follow, making them harder to jam and more accurate. pic.twitter.com/e8V3JCrSUp
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 15, 2026
The satellite connection enables real-time control from inside Russia and allows drones to travel up to 500 kilometers.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Russia launched more than 6,000 drones in the past month and warned that the threat is evolving rapidly.
He confirmed that Ukraine has contacted SpaceX, which owns Starlink, to curb misuse. The Institute for the Study of War said the drones could potentially reach parts of NATO territory if launched from Russia or occupied Ukraine.
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TIPP Staff
