Russia debuts anti-Starlink EW system that can blind terminals by overloading 'satellites' receiving antennas'
Date:
Sun, 02 Aug 2026 22:35:00 +0000
Description:
Russia unveiled Volna Kupol Garant, an electronic warfare system designed to interfere with Starlink satellites using directed radio transmissions from Earth.
FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Russia unveils an electronic warfare system designed to interfere with Starlink satellite communications Volna Kupol Garant focuses on satellites instead of disrupting ground communication terminals The new Russian system reportedly jams eight Starlink transmission bands using directed radio signals Russia has unveiled a new electronic warfare system designed to disrupt Starlink communications by interfering directly with satellites instead of attacking ground terminals.
The system, dubbed Volna Kupol Garant, directs concentrated radio signals toward Starlink satellites, preventing them from receiving transmissions from users within its operating area. Russian officials say the approach temporarily interrupts communications without physically damaging spacecraft. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: The system aims to interfere directly with satellites Volna Kupol Garant reportedly relies on a narrow-beam high-frequency radio signal that differs from conventional electronic warfare systems.
According to Russian officials, the transmission overloads receiving antennas aboard Starlink satellites, temporarily preventing them from detecting
signals transmitted from terminals beneath the affected coverage area. You
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"Volna does not physically destroy the spacecraft, but for the duration of
the 'illumination,' it blocks the ability of a specific satellite to serve ground terminals," said Dmitry Kuzyakin, general designer of the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions.
The disruption reportedly continues beyond the active transmission because affected satellites require several additional minutes before normal communications capability returns after interference ends. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get
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Volna Kupol Garant generates interference across eight Starlink data transmission bands, each measuring 62.5 MHz, using a directional phased-array antenna system.
Kuzyakin said Starlink satellites orbit about 500 km above Earth, adding that the phased-array system was designed to interfere with its receiving
antennas.
This device also has the capacity to disrupt and even disable spacecraft operations. What to read next Space Force has a new weapon to target enemy satellites This $2 low-tech upgrade just made Russia's cheap 'cardboard-and-plywood' drone almost unjammable Ukraine is weaponizing stratospheric balloons to boost strike range Modular battlefield design
claims tactical coverage Volna Kupol Garant is equipped with six trailer-mounted modules, each carrying two steerable satellite antennas enclosed beneath radio-transparent protective radomes.
The modular arrangement reportedly allows antennas to remain trailer-mounted or operate from separate ground installations, providing greater flexibility across different operational environments and deployment requirements.
According to reports, one complete complex can reportedly create a Starlink jamming zone covering as much as 20 km through narrow-beam interference techniques.
This system creates operational challenges for satellite communications
within affected areas.
However, the installation's considerable size could increase visibility to electronic intelligence assets because numerous exposed antennas remain
active during operations.
This development is unlikely to sit well with the United States and Ukraine, both of which are already weighing how future conflicts might extend into orbit.
Reports suggest the US has explored controlling which nations can operate satellites, a shift that could reshape the trajectory of regional conflicts
if it materializes.
Russia is likely to defend its satellite capabilities aggressively, given the growing role they play in modern warfare.
That role includes supporting communications, intelligence gathering, navigation, and operations involving unmanned military systems.
As of the time of writing, Volna Kupol Garant has not been independently verified, nor has it reportedly been used in the war.
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https://www.techradar.com/pro/russia-debuts-anti-starlink-ew-system-that-can-b lind-terminals-by-overloading-satellites-receiving-antennas
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