Russia has begun deploying its Rassvet satellite network much faster than originally planned, although the system, which is intended to serve as a Russian equivalent of Starlink, is currently operating only on a limited basis, according to Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate.
Speaking in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Skibitskyi said Moscow is rapidly developing the Rassvet project, effectively Russia's counterpart to the U.S.-based Starlink satellite communications network.
According to him, Russia launched the programme much earlier than anticipated. In March, it placed 16 satellites into low Earth orbit and plans to continue launches in order to build a constellation of 292 satellites by 2027, eventually expanding it to 924 satellites by 2035.
Ukraine has succeeded in blocking Starlink access for Russian forces, significantly complicating their use of satellite communications. As a result, Russia has been forced to look for alternative solutions to provide connectivity for its military units.
"For now, the system can only operate intermittently, when a satellite passes over our territory. Once the Russians deploy a full satellite constellation, it will operate like Starlink," Skibitskyi said.
He added that discussions are already underway on how to counter the future capabilities of the system.
Rassvet is a Russian low-Earth orbit satellite communications network being developed by Bureau 1440 as an alternative to Starlink. It is intended to provide broadband internet access and communications in remote areas, as well as support transportation and other civilian sectors. At the same time, the system is widely viewed as having potential military applications.
