China has a system capable of disrupting Starlink satellite communications using technology similar to Russia’s Volna-Kupol-Garant complex. Dmitry Kuzyakin, chief designer at the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions (TsKBR), described the Chinese system and its capabilities in an interview with RIA Novosti.
The Russian complex uses directed electronic interference to target Starlink satellites passing over a designated area, disrupting their connections with ground terminals within its operational range. According to Kuzyakin, China possesses comparable technology designed to perform the same task. The Chinese system directs a radio beam at satellites traveling above the country’s territory.
Kuzyakin stressed that such capabilities allow countries to exercise independent control over satellite communications within their borders. These systems provide a means of restricting foreign satellite networks without relying on their operators.
The expert also described Starlink as an instrument of external influence that countries must be able to control. He warned that unless the situation surrounding the satellite network is brought under control, Russia will impose restrictions on satellite operations over its territory.
Kuzyakin had previously highlighted a vulnerability that allows Starlink terminals to operate in Russia despite the network’s official restrictions. Although the service is not intended for use on Russian territory, modified terminals can bypass these limitations by transmitting false location coordinates to the system.
The chief designer believes that SpaceX is aware of this method of circumventing Starlink’s geographic restrictions but has not taken steps to eliminate the vulnerability.