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Starlink satellite communication module found inside Russian “Geran” kamikaze drone

Ukrainian media reports suggest that Russia has begun incorporating Starlink satellite communication modules, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, into “Geran” kamikaze drones, a version of the Shahed-136.

Ukrainian defense publication Defense Express reported that experts who analyzed the wreckage of a downed Geran UAV discovered an American satellite communication module. Although the production of these drones has been located in Russia, Ukrainian sources continue to refer to them as “Shaheds,” linking them to Iranian-made UAVs previously supplied to Russia.

The Starlink module allows the UAV to receive feedback, transmit data, and alter its mission during flight over long distances, turning the drone into a potential reconnaissance platform, according to Defense Express. This allows the Russian military to gather intelligence on Ukrainian air defense positions. If equipped with video cameras, the drone could also capture images of critical military installations.

In addition, the report states that Ukraine has limited means of countering the Starlink-based communications system. The inclusion of a camera and satellite link reportedly extends the drone’s operational range by up to 2,000 kilometers, making it capable of conducting reconnaissance and engaging moving targets at long ranges.

One potential application of the Starlink-equipped drone is to enable real-time control of the Shahed UAV during reconnaissance missions. This would allow operators to adjust their targeting based on live intelligence gathered in the vicinity of the target.

“This capability presents a new challenge, as it allows the enemy to dynamically select targets during a mission,” said a Ukrainian official, emphasizing the potential risk posed to operational airfields and other critical infrastructure.

By integrating Starlink, Russian forces could theoretically extend the range of communication between the operator and the drone, bypassing traditional radio frequency control systems that can be disrupted or jammed. The satellite link provides more resilient communications, even in contested or jammed environments.

“If these drones can now be manually controlled with satellite support, they become even more dangerous,” one military official noted, noting that Shahed drones have already posed a significant threat in previous attacks.