Russia has deployed a new electronic warfare system called Wołna Kupoł Gwarant that can effectively disrupt Starlink satellite internet signals over an area of about 20 square kilometers, according to Reuters. Ukrainian drone systems expert Serhij „Flash” Beskrestnow warns that the devices pose a serious threat to Ukraine’s battlefield communications.
The system, produced by the company Rossijskij Kupoł in occupied Simferopol, Crimea, is mounted on trailers. Each trailer carries two antennas, and a full set consists of six trailers. Beskrestnow explained on his Telegram channel that the antenna system can be removed from the trailers and placed on a single platform or directly on the ground.
Like most electronic warfare systems, Wołna Kupoł Gwarant consumes a large amount of power. It can be powered by generators carried on the trailers or by an external power grid. So far, 10 such devices have been recorded on the front lines.
How the Wołna Kupoł Gwarant system works
Beskrestnow described the operating principle as relatively straightforward. – A system of satellite antennas is installed on the ground, directed upward toward a passing satellite. The system emits strong interference from the ground to the satellite, so the satellite does not receive signals from conventional terminals – he wrote. The devices then emit jamming in the 14–14.5 GHz frequency band, making it difficult for the satellite to receive signals from user terminals. The band is divided into eight channels of 62.5 MHz each. – The Russians used eight satellite antennas, aimed them at the satellite, and each emits interference on its own channel. That is enough for the satellite to be 'blinded’ or 'deafened’ by radio noise and unable to effectively receive signals – added Beskrestnow.
This is not the first time Russia has attempted to jam Starlink signals. Beskrestnow noted that the first instance of Starlink suppression was recorded in 2024 in the Kharkiv region. That Russian electronic warfare system was quickly detected by Ukrainian forces and destroyed.
Ukraine’s response and Starlink security measures
However, until 2026, no large-scale cases were reported. – After Ukrainian strikes on Russian logistics began, we again started registering electronic warfare activity against the Starlink communication system – Flash said. – Of course, we detect and will continue to detect such enemy complexes and destroy them – he declared. A video circulating on social media shows Ukrainian drones destroying a new Russian electronic warfare system of this type.
In February, Elon Musk confirmed that his company SpaceX had taken effective steps to prevent unauthorized use of Starlink satellite internet by Russians. This impacted the Kremlin’s military capabilities. – Two days after SpaceX launched Starlink verification and blocked unverified terminals in Ukraine, the pace of the Russian offensive appears to be slowing – an anonymous Ukrainian military official told Politico.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Reuters
