Russian Forces Deploy New Satellite Internet Terminals: How to Spot Them by Their Antenna

New Communication Systems for Russian Invaders

According to ХВИЛЯ: According to Serhiy Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Russian occupying forces have begun using new communication equipment on the front lines. This involves the urgent delivery of satellite internet terminals to the Russian army. This hardware, which connects via the Russian Yamal and Ekspress satellite constellations, could significantly impact battlefield communications. Satellite internet provides a critical, hard-to-jam link for command and control, making its detection a priority.

Identifying Features of the New Satellite Terminals

The primary visual identifier for these new satellite terminals is their resemblance to standard satellite TV dishes. The antennas possess the following characteristics:

• An oval or circular shape;
• A diameter ranging from 60 to 120 centimeters;
• An orientation toward the southeast or south, with an azimuth between 110 and 180 degrees.

These features can serve as useful criteria for Ukrainian forces to spot Russian equipment in the combat zone.

It is also important to note that this Russian equipment cannot function through protective casings or camouflage netting. The satellite dish itself may be positioned deeper within Russian lines, with the forward link maintained via a WiFi bridge. These operational limitations could assist Ukrainian military personnel in detecting and neutralizing the enemy's satellite communication nodes. The ongoing technological duel in electronic warfare means both sides are constantly adapting their communication and counter-communication tactics.

This development indicates the adaptation of Russian military forces to modern combat conditions, specifically through enhanced communication technology. However, Ukrainian forces also possess the capability to detect and disrupt these new communication assets, which could impair the effectiveness of Russian operations. This underscores the critical importance of technological advantage in contemporary warfare.