Russia Expands Rassvet Satellite Network for Military Use Amid Starlink Concerns

• •Russia's Rassvet satellite network is being used for military communications in Ukraine.
• •The network currently consists of 32 satellites, providing intermittent coverage.
• •Russia plans to expand Rassvet's capabilities to counter Western satellite systems.

On November 6, 2026, Russia's Security Council called for an urgent expansion of its Rassvet satellite network, designed as a domestic alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink. This initiative follows reports that Russia is already utilizing Rassvet for military communications in Ukraine, enhancing the accuracy of strike drones while making them harder to jam. So far, 32 Rassvet satellites have been launched in 2026, but coverage remains limited, with communications only available intermittently. The Security Council emphasized the need for rapid production of satellites and terminal equipment to counter perceived threats from Western systems like Starlink and OneWeb. Ukrainian military intelligence confirmed that Russia's Rassvet system is being used for military purposes, but it currently lacks the capacity for continuous coverage across Ukraine. The Russian government plans additional satellite launches by the end of 2026 to improve the network's operational capabilities.