Russia will soon roll out a satellite internet network analogous to Starlink, the system operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to the head of the Russian space agency (Roscosmos), Dmitry Bakanov.
Starlink provides high-speed internet from low-Earth orbit and has played a key role for Ukrainian forces in the conflict with Russia, enabling them to coordinate operations, conduct surveillance, and operate drone systems across the front.
Speaking on Wednesday on Solovyov LIVE, Bakanov said the first launches of Russia’s internet satellites are set for December 2025, and that the network will be on par with Starlink.
“Several test vehicles in orbit have already been inspected and the production ones have been modified accordingly,” he said, adding, “We are also moving at a rapid pace in this direction.” He noted that the constellation will be fully deployed within two years.
The Roscosmos chief previously said the development of a national satellite internet system would allow Russian forces to control drones with greater precision.
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