Russia’s deployment of the “Rassvet” satellite constellation could enable it to control “Shahed”-type drones and cruise missiles in real time, posing a serious threat to Ukraine, said Sergey “Flash” Beskrestnov, the president’s advisor on defense technology, in an interview.
Beskrestnov emphasized that one should not be lulled into a false sense of security by Russia’s previous failures to launch satellites into orbit. In his view, the country will be able to refine the engines and launch the “Rassvet” satellites into their intended orbits using “Angara” rockets.
The expert expressed concern that the deployment of such satellites would enable the Russian military to control “Shahed” drones and missiles via satellite channels, which would create a “minor catastrophe” for Ukraine’s defense.
According to the adviser, Ukraine urgently needs to develop an electronic warfare (EW) system before the “Rassvet” satellites reach space. Beskrestnov noted that this must already be implemented for key infrastructure facilities.
As a reminder, Russia is actively preparing to deploy a satellite constellation similar to Ukraine’s Starlink. Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, reported that Russia plans to launch 292 satellites into orbit by 2027 and increase that number to 924 by 2035.
