KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Russia is accelerating deployment of Rassvet, a low-Earth orbit satellite internet constellation developed by Bureau 1440 as a domestic alternative to Starlink.
• Ukrainian intelligence says 16 operational satellites are already in orbit, with plans to expand the constellation to 292 satellites by 2027 and 924 by 2035.
• The network is expected to provide secure communications for both civilian users and military operations.
• Analysts say satellite internet has become one of the most strategically important technologies in modern warfare.

Russia is rapidly building its own version of Starlink, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign satellite communications while strengthening military capabilities. The project, known as Rassvet, reflects a broader global race to control low-Earth orbit communications—technology that has become as strategically important as missiles, drones, and electronic warfare in the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia Speeds Up Deployment

According to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR), Russia has already launched the first 16 operational Rassvet satellites, developed by aerospace company Bureau 1440.

Officials believe Moscow is deploying the constellation faster than initially planned, with the long-term objective of creating nationwide and eventually international broadband satellite coverage.

More Than Civilian Internet

Although Rassvet is officially presented as a commercial satellite internet project, military analysts say its strategic value extends far beyond civilian communications.

A large low-Earth orbit constellation can provide resilient battlefield communications, support drone operations, improve command-and-control networks, and remain operational even if terrestrial communications infrastructure is damaged.

Why Starlink Changed Modern Warfare

Ukraine’s extensive use of Starlink since 2022 demonstrated how satellite internet can fundamentally transform military operations.

Reliable broadband connectivity has enabled real-time drone control, battlefield coordination, encrypted communications, and rapid intelligence sharing across hundreds of kilometers. Analysts say nearly every major military power is now investing in similar capabilities.

A New Space Race

If Russia successfully deploys hundreds of satellites over the coming decade, it would significantly reduce its reliance on foreign communication systems while strengthening both civilian and military resilience.

Experts increasingly view satellite constellations as strategic national infrastructure, comparable to energy grids or transportation networks. As more countries—including China, Europe, and Ukraine—develop their own low-Earth orbit networks, competition in space is becoming an increasingly important element of national security.