Russia and China are developing systems to disrupt SpaceX’s Starlink, stepping up space-based electronic warfare and threatening military communications.
Russia and China are stepping up their electronic warfare capabilities to counter the influence of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, used by the Ukrainian army among others. Russia has developed systems such as Tobol and Kalinka to disrupt satellite communications. China, meanwhile, is investing in similar technologies to target commercial satellite constellations in the event of conflict. These developments underline the growing importance of space infrastructures in contemporary military strategies.
Starlink: a priority target for Russia
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Starlink, SpaceX’s network of low-earth orbit satellites, has become a key element in Ukrainian military communications. This dependence prompted Russia to develop electronic warfare systems to neutralize this technology.
The Tobol system was initially designed to protect Russian satellites from jamming. However, recent analyses indicate that Russia has hijacked this technology to disrupt satellite communications and navigation systems, notably GPS. Currently, at least seven Tobol complexes are spread across Russian territory. Leaked US military documents suggest that three of these facilities were specifically deployed to target Starlink signals over eastern Ukraine.
An even greater threat is posed by the Kalinka system, nicknamed the “Starlink killer”. This electronic warfare platform is said to be capable of detecting and disrupting signals transmitted to and from Starlink satellites, with the main aim of interfering with Ukrainian drones and military communications. Even more worrying, Kalinka would be able to detect terminals connected to Starshield, the military version of Starlink with enhanced security features.
These Russian technological advances underline the vulnerability of commercial satellite communications to electronic warfare capabilities developed by hostile states. The militarization of space and the growing dependence on satellite infrastructures for military operations make it imperative to develop appropriate protection measures and countermeasures.
China’s ambitions in space-based electronic warfare
In parallel with Russian efforts, China is investing heavily in the development of similar capabilities, anticipating possible future conflicts in which commercial satellite constellations would play a central role.
A 2022 study sponsored by the Strategic Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) explicitly recommends the development of counter-space capabilities to target constellations like Starlink in the event of armed conflict with the USA. Chinese military doctrine places particular emphasis on taking the initiative at the outset of a conflict, which would involve attacks on satellite networks to disrupt adversaries’ access to communications and navigation.
In addition, China has launched the Qianfan project, also known as Spacesail Constellation, aimed at deploying over 15,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit by 2030. This ambitious project, backed by the Shanghai government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aims to compete directly with Starlink and provide global Internet coverage. However, the proliferation of these satellites raises concerns about Earth orbit congestion and collision risks, not to mention potential military implications.
These developments indicate a clear desire on China’s part to assert itself as a major power in space, developing not only defensive but also offensive capabilities to protect its national interests and challenge the supremacy of Western players in space.
Consequences and implications for global security
The intensification of space-based electronic warfare capabilities by Russia and China has profound implications for global security and strategic stability.
Vulnerability of commercial space infrastructures: Russian and Chinese efforts to disrupt systems such as Starlink highlight the vulnerability of commercial space infrastructures used for military purposes. This raises questions about the need to develop enhanced security protocols and public-private partnerships to protect these critical assets.
Arms race in space: The increasing militarization of space could lead to an arms race, with each nation seeking to develop offensive and defensive capabilities to protect its interests. This could increase international tensions and complicate efforts to regulate and cooperate in the space sector.
Impact on military operations: Increased reliance on satellite systems for communications, navigation and intelligence means that their disruption could have devastating consequences for military operations. Armed forces will therefore need to invest in resilient technologies and diversify their means of communication to mitigate these risks.
Diplomatic and legal issues : The use of electronic warfare technologies against commercial satellites raises complex legal issues concerning international law and the rules of war. It is becoming imperative for the international community to define clear norms to frame actions in space and prevent uncontrolled escalations.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.