Russia has found way to jam Starlink and take down Ukraine’s drones

Russia has deployed 10 Starlink jammers on the front to counter Ukrainian drone strikes. Ukrainian drone commanders and pilots from the 422nd Unmanned Systems Regiment operating in Zaporizhzhia Oblast told Reuters that Russian forces are using powerful electronic warfare systems to disrupt SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet, which most Ukrainian strike drones use for guidance. Few such systems have been destroyed already. 

Ukraine's Defense Forces identified the system and its specifications in mid-June, when the Security Service of Ukraine and the 422nd Regiment destroyed the first complex in a joint operation on 14 June.

Blocking Starlink for Russia

The Volna Kupol Garant is Russia's response to Ukraine's earlier counter-response to Russia's use of Starlink. Russia had been using illegally obtained Starlink terminals on its own strike drones, including drones that hit Ukrainian civilian targets.

In late January 2026, SpaceX, at Ukraine's request, blocked unauthorized Russian terminals. Beskrestnov called the result a "catastrophe" for Russian forces, and Russian command and control collapsed across the front. Russia is now trying to jam Ukraine's Starlink-guided drones.

Volna Kupol Garant is expensive and easy to hunt

The Volna Kupol Garant emits a signal in the same 14-14.5 GHz Starlink frequency band, targeting eight satellite channels simultaneously.

Because jamming Starlink requires massive power output, the system emits a strong electronic signature.

Each complex consists of six trailers with dish antennas that point toward overhead satellites. The report says Ukraine identified 10 systems on the front and destroyed two, with one destroyed within hours of detection.

"As soon as we struck this facility, our Starlink-equipped drones flew without problems," a 422nd Regiment crew commander with the callsign "Dyryhent" (Conductor) said.