Russian forces have been recorded using Shahed strike drones with manual guidance via Starlink satellite communication for the first time during an attack on Ukrainian helicopters in the Kropyvnytskyi area. This was reported by military expert in electronic warfare Serhii Flesh.
This is reported by Finway
A New Level of Threat: Satellite-Controlled Drones
According to the expert, during the recent attack, operators controlled the drones in auto-targeting mode with subsequent manual control, specifically due to satellite communication. Analysis of the drone footage indicates that there were no other drones nearby, which typically create a MESH radio network, further confirming the use of Starlink for combat control of Shahed for the first time.
The drones operated at extremely low altitudes—almost at ground level—allowing them to evade detection by radar stations. This tactic significantly complicates the effectiveness of air defense and early warning systems.
Challenges for Ukrainian Countermeasures
Serhii Flesh noted that such a scenario was predictable. He has repeatedly emphasized the possibility of Shahed transitioning to satellite control, but these warnings were not timely addressed. Now, electronic warfare specialists are forced to respond to a new level of technological threat from the enemy.
“The expert emphasized that all these challenges require immediate adaptation and proactive solutions, as the enemy is actively modernizing its means of destruction and tactics for their application.”
The development of such technologies demands that Ukrainian defenders quickly implement new approaches to combat drone threats, as the Russian Federation continues to enhance its combat systems and tactics of warfare.