Kathrine Frich
Russia’s use of improvised technology remains a growing concern for Western defence officials.
Despite US efforts to close loopholes, Moscow is still finding covert ways to tap into Elon Musk’s Starlink system.
Reports highlighted by Ziare.com, citing Defense Express, indicate that Russian units are again exploiting unauthorized access to the network.
Covert access expands
According to Defense Express, the Pentagon and SpaceX pledged a year ago to stop Russia from using Starlink equipment acquired through illicit channels.
The company reiterated that “The Starlink company is not active in Russia… SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia,” adding that sellers inside the country are deceiving buyers.
Yet images published by military expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov show a drone on the Pokrovsk axis carrying a Starlink mini-terminal. Ukrainian troops have reportedly encountered similar devices on enemy aircraft.
Analysts note that the drone resembles an upgraded version of the Russian Molniya series, identifiable by its battery type and overall design.
The terminal in the images appears strapped on with improvised fastenings.
Improvised upgrades
Defense Express reports that earlier Molniya variants were assembled with minimal materials, making the platform cheap but adaptable.
Adding a Starlink link, however crude, expands real-time control and target correction capabilities.
This is not the first time Russian operators have been seen using Starlink-equipped drones.
The outlet recalls that evidence emerged in early 2024 showing Russian forces mounting terminals on various systems, including the Shahed attack drone.
The report adds that Russia’s RD-8 “mother drone” has also been configured to operate using Starlink connectivity.
Pentagon’s struggle
The Pentagon announced in May 2024 that it was developing a permanent solution to block unauthorized terminals in occupied and conflict areas.
A month later, officials said they had deactivated hundreds of illegally used devices.
However, Defense Express notes that new sightings show the workaround remains incomplete, with Russian units still managing to acquire and integrate terminals.
According to Ziare.com, a USAID review found that more than half of the “active” terminals originally delivered to Ukraine were located in areas occupied fully or partially by Russian forces.
The report did not specify how the devices reached those regions or who was operating them.
USAID had previously supplied 5,175 units to Ukraine, combining purchased and donated terminals from SpaceX to maintain civilian connectivity after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Sources: Ziare.com, Defense Express
