Putin Expands 16-Satellite Low-Orbit Network to Back Ukraine Strikes
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 13
Putin Expands 16-Satellite Low-Orbit Network to Back Ukraine Strikes
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 13
Summary
Russia has begun deploying a domestically produced low-orbit satellite system, with Vladimir Putin saying the current constellation of 16 craft is far too small.
Putin tied the expansion directly to a pledge to intensify strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, presenting the network as support for military operations.
At a Kremlin meeting with servicemen on Friday, he said the system is intended to resemble Starlink, signaling a push to improve Russia's battlefield communications and targeting support.
The move points to a broader effort to reduce reliance on foreign technology while strengthening Russia's capacity to sustain attacks in the Ukraine war.