06:39 30-12-2025

Starlink Boosts Russian Molniya-2 Drones’ Lethality

Mil.ru, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Russian Molniya-2 drones have sharply increased their effectiveness after integrating Starlink terminals, remaining operational even under heavy electronic warfare pressure.

Russian Molniya-2 drones have significantly expanded their combat capabilities after being fitted with Starlink satellite communication terminals, according to a report by the U.S. magazine The National Interest.

The publication notes that the integration of satellite connectivity has led to a dramatic surge in the drones’ effectiveness. Their lethality, the authors argue, has increased tenfold. Starlink allows the UAVs to maintain stable control and data transmission even in areas saturated with electronic warfare systems that suppress conventional radio links.

The article also points out a structural limitation for SpaceX: restricting Russia’s access to Starlink would inevitably disrupt communications for Kiev as well, creating serious operational challenges for Ukraine’s own forces.

Earlier in December, analysts drew attention to an unfamiliar component spotted on the Russian Geran-3 kamikaze drone. Online discussions suggested that the element could be intended to house a Starlink satellite terminal on the jet-powered UAV.

Later that same month, Molniya-2 drones equipped with Starlink terminals were observed in the SVO zone. The antenna responsible for maintaining uninterrupted communication throughout the flight path was mounted directly onto the drone’s airframe, ensuring stable connectivity from launch to target.