Russian Engineers Develop New EW System to Jam Starlink Links Used by Ukrainian Drones

Russian specialists have developed an electronic warfare (EW) system capable of jamming Starlink satellite communication channels used by a number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new method reportedly being used by Russian forces to counter drones was first described by the Ukrainian side. In particular, Ukrainian Defense Ministry technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known by the call sign "Flash,” spoke about the Russian Starlink-jamming system on his Telegram channel. According to him, the new EW complex has been named "Volna Kupol Garant.” It consists of a system of satellite antennas mounted on several trailers that emit powerful interference toward a specific satellite, thereby disrupting its communication with ground terminals. "Technically, a Starlink satellite receives signals from terminals in the 14-14.5 gigahertz range. This range is divided into eight channels, each 62.5 megahertz wide. The Russians essentially took eight satellite dishes, pointed them at the satellite, and each dish transmits interference on its own channel. That's it. The satellite becomes "blind,'” said Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to the Ukrainian defense minister.