Russia is deploying a Starlink-style satellite communication network at a surprisingly rapid pace, Ukrainian military intelligence has warned, as Moscow seeks to secure its own orbital infrastructure for military communications and drone control.
The system, known as Rassvet and developed by Russian company Bureau 1440, currently operates 16 satellites launched into low Earth orbit in March 2026. Kyiv says the constellation is set to grow to 156 satellites by year-end, then to 292 by 2027 and 924 by 2035. The network is intended for both civilian and military use, including drone operations.
Separately, Major-General Vadim Skibitskyi noted that Russia has already fulfilled its 2026 production targets for Zircon and Oniks missiles in the first seven months of the year and is expected to exceed them by 10–20%. Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile stocks are estimated at roughly 130 units.