Russia accelerates Starlink-like Rassvet network toward 924 satellites

Russia is rapidly advancing its Rassvet satellite communications system, aiming to deploy a constellation of over 900 satellites by 2035. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, revealed in a RBC-Ukraine interview on August 10 that Russia launched 16 satellites into low Earth orbit in March 2026. The program intends to expand the constellation to 292 satellites by 2027 and reach the target of 924 satellites by the end of 2035.

Currently, Rassvet satellites can only intermittently provide coverage over Ukraine. However, once Russia completes the constellation, the system could function similarly to Starlink, offering continuous satellite communications. Ukraine is actively exploring countermeasures against the Russian system. The first operational group of 16 Rassvet satellites was launched by Russian aerospace company Bureau 1440 in late March 2026, marking the beginning of Russia's pursuit of a Starlink-like communications network.

This network could pose a strategic threat not only to Ukraine but also to other countries. In a May 31 meeting, Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine’s defense minister, emphasized Russia's urgent need for an alternative to Starlink and noted that the existing 16 satellites could be utilized by Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Despite Russia's claims, military personnel at a June 12 meeting with President Vladimir Putin reportedly disputed the existence of an operational domestic satellite internet system.