How Russia jams Starlink satellites over Ukraine

From the recently leaked US documents for the Ukraine war shows that since last September the Russian military has been trying to find out if and how Starlink-Internet the US company SpaceX in Ukraine can be disturbed. The system is to be used Tobol-1, as reported by the Washington Post (behind a paywall). This is a stationary electronic warfare system originally developed for defensive purposes.

Tobol-1 is designed to detect attempts to jam Russian satellites. The system analyzes interference signals and sends a counter signal to compensate for interference. It is conceivable that the system could be used not only for defensive but also for offensive purposes.

Internet for recon drones

Russia’s aim is likely to cut the Internet in Ukraine. It is heavily dependent on the Starlink Internet. It is used in particular by the civilian population and in hospitals. Satellite Internet is also used by Ukrainian troops at the front for communication as well as to control reconnaissance dronen. The drones are often equipped with explosive charges.

In February, the President of SpaceX, Gwynne Shotwellalbeit clarifying that Starlink was never intended to be used as a weapon.

Starlink disruption difficult

Actually, Russia’s tests should have lasted only 25 days. However, the secret service document was not finalized until 5 months later. It is unclear what happened in this regard during this period. In any case, jamming the Starlink system is generally not easy, especially since it is based on a constellation of thousands of small satellites. What is actually possible with Tobol-1 is unclear.

had last year Russian media also indicated that Russia Number-2S used to disrupt the Starlink Internet. With this jammer you can block satellite connections. However, no one knows how far advanced the system is.