Russia installs Starlink on its kamikaze drones
The most recent Russian modification of Iranian-designed Shahed-136 one-way attack (or kamikaze) drones includes Starlink satellite communication terminals, Ukrainian outlet Defense Express reported on Sept. 25.
Journalists obtained photos of the debris of one of the drones Moscow used to attack Ukraine earlier on the same day. The wreckage contained fragments of a Starlink terminal, made and supported by SpaceX.
The images showed a satellite antenna with visible serial numbers, potentially aiding in tracing the supply channels through which the equipment was procured.
Journalists noted that such a modification to the Shahed drone was "only a matter of time," as Russian forces had previously experimented with 4G modems using Ukrainian SIM cards.
“This allows for feedback from the drone, the ability to transmit information, and the capacity to change the flight path from any distance, effectively turning the Shahed into a reconnaissance tool,” the report stated.
This modification may enable Russian forces to transmit gathered information, such as radio signals regarding Ukrainian air defense positions. Additionally, drones equipped with cameras could capture images. With Starlink and installed cameras, Russia can potentially use the Shahed as a long-range loitering munition with re-targeting capabilities, including moving targets.
The choice of the Shahed platform for these purposes may be linked to its flight range of approximately 2,000 kilometers and considerable internal fuselage space.
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