Russia is developing a low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network called Rassvet that could eventually expand its military capabilities, including drone operations, according to a report published by The Washington Post on October 17.
The system is being developed by the Russian company Bureau 1440. The project aims to establish a satellite network capable of providing high-speed communications across large areas.
According to the newspaper, Russia has already launched 32 satellites associated with the project. However, some were lost or failed to reach their intended orbits.
The company plans to begin commercial deployment of the system in 2027. Experts interviewed by the newspaper, however, doubt that the Russian industry can meet the announced schedule.
The Washington Post noted that a fully operational satellite network could allow Russian forces to maintain communications with drones over longer distances and direct strikes more effectively.
Such capabilities are particularly important for long-range drone systems, which require reliable data transmission beyond direct radio line of sight.
Ukrainian specialists view the development of the Russian system as a potential threat to Ukraine's existing technological advantages.
Rassvet, however, is not yet a fully operational equivalent of Starlink. Russia would need to launch substantially more satellites, establish reliable network operations and organize production of user terminals before it could deploy the system.
The newspaper also examined the Russian project against the backdrop of Ukraine's problems accessing the US Starshield satellite communications system.
During the preceding week, Ukrainian forces reported restrictions on connection speeds that affected the operation of certain drones. The Washington Post initially reported incorrectly that the system had been shut down completely but subsequently corrected its article.
Rassvet's potential military applications remain projections. There is no confirmed evidence that the network has been fully deployed or is being used to direct Russian strikes against Ukraine.