Ukraine downs Russia's Starlink-equipped Shahed-136 suicide drone

Ukraine’s defense forces have intercepted a Russian Shahed-136 drone equipped with Starlink satellite communication during a nighttime attack on 25 September, when Ukraine reportedly shot down 28 out of 32 Shaheds. This marks the first known instance of such technology being used by Russian forces in their unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Russian forces launch dozens of Shahed long-range “kamikaze” drones every night, often also launching several missiles during the attack. Russia has localized the production of Shahed drones, originally Iranian, and is developing various modifications, including improving communication systems to enable in-flight route adjustments.

According to Defense Express, which obtained exclusive photos from its sources, the images reveal a satellite antenna with visible serial numbers on the intercepted Shahed-136, which could potentially help investigate the supply channels of the Starlink terminal.

ukraine downs russia's starlink-equipped shahed-136 suicide drone debris downed uav equipped starlink communication technology 25 september 2024 — Debris of a downed Shahed-136 UAV equipped with Starlink communication technology. 25 September 2024. Photo: Defense Express

The integration of Starlink technology into Russian drones has been anticipated, as the Russians had previously experimented with 4G modems using Ukrainian SIM cards. This development could significantly enhance the capabilities of Russian UAVs, providing a wide and powerful feedback channel, enabling information transmission from the drone, and allowing for mission changes at any distance.

Defense Express suggests that Russia may be using Starlink to transmit reconnaissance information, such as data collected by electronic intelligence on Ukrainian air defense positions or imagery if the drone is equipped with cameras. This could effectively turn the Shahed-136 into an extremely long-range loitering munition with additional reconnaissance capabilities and the ability to strike even moving targets.

ukraine downs russia's starlink-equipped shahed-136 suicide drone debris starlink terminal integrated shahed terminal's serial numbers qr code have been censored 25 september 2024 — Debris of the Starlink terminal integrated into Russia’s Shahed suicide drone. The terminal’s serial numbers and QR code have been censored. 25 September 2024. Photo: Defense Express

The choice of the Shahed-136 platform for this purpose may be related to its flight range of approximately 2000 km and the considerable free volume inside its fuselage.

While Starlink does not operate or sell its services in Russia, Russian entities have been purchasing the technology through third countries.

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Ukraine downs Russia’s Starlink-equipped Shahed-136 suicide drone