বাংলা | Epaper

বাংলা E-Paper 📍 Dhaka 📅 Saturday | 24 October 2026, 8 Kartik 1433 PID registration number 06

HEADLINE

● Saudi Arabia holds 7,500 Bangladeshis in prisons ● Measles symptoms claim 7 more lives ● Chhatra Dal leaders accused in New Market shop attack ● Houthi attack victim Sahed's body arrives in Bogra ● State Minister criticizes opposition over July Memorial event ● Hasnat, Sarjis, Asif get new roles in reorganized NCP ● Tk 6,608cr ECNEC plan to buy 5,830 vehicles for police

Russia plans satellite network to rival Starlink

Published : Friday, 23 October, 2026 at 5:39 PM

Observer Online Report

Russia is developing its own satellite internet network, named Rassvet, to improve battlefield communications and reduce its reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink system, with plans to deploy at least 900 satellites in low Earth orbit by 2035.

The initiative comes as satellite internet has become increasingly important in the Russia-Ukraine war, enabling drone operations and communications between military units across difficult terrain.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has played a significant role in supporting Ukraine’s military communications. Russia has also reportedly used the service without authorisation, but SpaceX subsequently restricted its access.

A Pentagon report cited in recent coverage said Russia lost 400 square kilometres of territory following the disruption of its access to Starlink.

Rassvet is intended to address that capability gap by providing Russia with an independent satellite communications network. The project’s developers aim to increase the constellation to 292 satellites by next year, from the 31 currently in orbit.

The existing satellites provide communications near the front lines but are operational for only a few hours a day, according to the report. Expanding the constellation could allow Russian forces to maintain connectivity for longer periods.

However, meeting the ambitious targets remains uncertain. Experts have raised concerns about Russia’s ability to place satellites into their designated orbits, casting doubt on whether the planned expansion can be completed by 2027.

Although the proposed network would initially remain much smaller than Starlink, a successful deployment could strengthen Russia’s military communications capabilities.

The growing reliance on satellite networks highlights the expanding role of space-based technology in modern warfare, where secure communications can influence drone operations, battlefield coordination and military effectiveness.

sks

Also read

Mojtaba healthy, stays out of sight over security concerns

China expands Naval operations around Taiwan

Russian diesel tanker heads to US after Trump-Putin deal

South Korea calls for military talks with North Korea

Russia, Ukraine, US set to resume peace talks

12 Earthquakes trigger Tsunami alert off Italy’s coast

2 Israeli soldiers killed, 3 injured in Hebron

Israeli forces arrest Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher

Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], ‍[email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296

🔝