Conflict in Ukraine - Putin disrupts Ukraine's satellite communication by targeting Starlink.
The Russians have been messing with the Starlink connections of Ukrainian military forces for a while now. It started off simply enough - they got their hands on black market terminals, took them to the frontline, and during crucial moments, they'd turn on the devices, causing an overwhelming data traffic surge that rendered the network useless for the Ukrainians.
Recent Developments
With the launch of the Charkiw operation, a new twist was uncovered. At the northern front, the Russians managed to completely shut down the data traffic, disrupting communication between the Ukrainians and their drones. The "New York Times" has reported that this wasn't a one-off incident. It seems that Starlink is being permanently disrupted at the northern front. "Should the Russians keep achieving this, it could signal a tactical shift in the conflict and shed light on Ukraine's reliance on Musk's company," the paper adds.
Though Starlink has held up against Russian attempts so far, it might not stay that way. Ukrainian Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov says the Russians are experimenting with various methods to disrupt the quality of Starlink connections, calling it a dire predicament for them since the system plays a crucial role for them. Kari A. Bingen, a former US Defense Department employee and expert in electronic warfare, states that satellite communication systems like Starlink can be disrupted by overloading them with high-frequency signals. These attacks are typically done using a vehicle equipped with a large antenna.
The Rise of Starlink
The reliance of Ukraine on a non-military internet service provider may seem concerning, but it's hard to avoid. The unique aspect of the Starlink system lies in the fact that its small satellites have a comparatively low altitude, making for quick and uninterrupted communication and live control. The system can transport huge data volumes by simply moving satellites to any corner of the globe.
In contrast to military equipment, the terminals are easily obtainable and don't come with hefty costs. These qualities are what's made Starlink irresistible for Kiev. The country was able to gain an edge in communication, but that advantage may be wearing thin now. If the Russians can permanently paralyze the system, Ukraine would be left with barely any connectivity.
Elon Musk's company is said to be developing security measures for the system, but the Russians have an upper hand. Interferences and countermeasures seem to be happening almost every month. Updating the hardware is not an option with Starlink. The Russians have the complete technology of the terminals, giving them a significant edge.
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- The "New York Times" reported that Starlink's data traffic was consistently disrupted at the northern front in Ukraine, potentially signaling a tactical shift in the conflict due to Russia's efforts.
- Kari A. Bingen, a former US Defense Department employee and expert in electronic warfare, suggested that satellite communication systems like Starlink can be disrupted by overloading them with high-frequency signals, a method commonly used by vehicles equipped with large antennas.
- Despite Elon Musk's company developing security measures for the Starlink system, Russian interferences and countermeasures against it seem to occur almost monthly, giving them an upper hand due to their complete knowledge of the terminals' technology.
Source: www.stern.de
