Presidential adviser warns Russia could steer Shahed drones and missiles via satellite

President Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov warned that Russia could potentially control Shahed drones and missiles remotely through satellites. In a Telegram post on September 20, the presidential adviser on technology issues noted Russia's past failures in launching Rassvet satellites into orbit. However, he suggested that Russia may refine its engines and eventually place the satellites in the necessary orbits.

Beskrestnov speculated that a single Angara rocket launch could unexpectedly place half of the Rassvet satellite constellation into orbit, allowing Russia to control Shaheds and missiles via satellites. This prospect would pose a significant challenge for Ukraine, potentially leading to a "small catastrophe." Furthermore, Beskrestnov pointed out that Ukraine had not systematically countered Russian mesh modem technology, which is used by Russian strike drones, for a year.

As a result, Ukraine currently faces difficulties in electronic warfare against mesh. He also expressed concern that by the time this challenge arises, Ukraine must possess an electronic warfare system capable of covering all critical infrastructure. Additionally, Beskrestnov emphasized that resolving this issue will be both time-consuming and costly.

On July 20, it was revealed that Russia's Bureau 1440 had successfully launched a second group of communications satellites for the Rassvet project. However, data from the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicated that this group failed to reach the required altitude, as reported on August 31. Of the first batch of 16 satellites launched in March, only 12 successfully reached the necessary altitude.

Russia's reliance on its own Rassvet system following the loss of Starlink communications in February highlights the urgency of this developing situation.