Russia equips Shahed drones with Starlink, increasing their danger – Defense Express – photo
Pravda Ukraine
Defense Express has reported that Russia has begun installing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite communication on Shahed-136 attack drones.
Source: Defense Express
Деталі: Starlink equipment was spotted on one of the drones that Ukraine’s defence forces downed during a Russian attack on the night of 24-25 September.
Defense Express published photos showing a satellite antenna with a serial number, which investigators will use to trace the supply channels of the Starlink terminal.
Russia gains powerful feedback from a drone, the ability to transmit data from it and the capability to change flight tasks at any distance by equipping it with satellite communication.
Defense Express emphasised that this development primarily transforms a Shahed drone into a reconnaissance tool.
With Starlink, Russians can use a Shahed drone as an extremely long-range loitering munition capable of additional reconnaissance with an extra camera and can even strike moving targets.
Shaheds were likely chosen for this purpose due to their range (around 2,000 km) and significant internal space in the fuselage.
Defense Express also noted that while Starlink does not work or sell in Russia, the Russians are acquiring it through third-party countries.
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