Ukraine exposes 49 companies linked to Russia’s new military satellite communications system
Ukraine’s military intelligence has published details about 49 Russian and Belarusian entities involved in developing the low-orbit satellite communications system Rassvet. It says the system is intended primarily for Russian military communications and calls for stronger sanctions and restrictions on component and technology supplies.
Key points
- Ukraine’s military intelligence published data on 49 Russian and Belarusian entities involved in Rassvet.
- Rassvet combines low-orbit satellites, ground-control infrastructure, gateway stations and terminals for fixed and mobile objects.
- Russia plans to integrate Rassvet satellites into a space-based missile-targeting system.
- Command vehicles of the Iskander-M missile complex are expected to receive Rassvet terminals.
- Planned coverage focuses on Ukraine and EU countries.
- Bureau 1440, part of ICS Holding, is the project’s main implementer; VTB provided financial support.
- The first 16 serial satellites were launched in March 2026, with commercial service planned for 2027.
- Twenty-three of the 49 listed entities, including Roscosmos, are not sanctioned by countries in the sanctions coalition.
Why it matters
Rassvet could give Russia a domestic satellite communications network comparable in concept to Starlink, strengthening military communications, command links and targeting support. Its planned coverage of Ukraine and EU countries raises concerns about its use in aggression or hybrid operations. The fact that satellites are already in orbit makes the project an emerging military capability rather than a purely theoretical plan.
What happened
Ukraine’s military intelligence published information about 49 Russian and Belarusian companies and institutions involved in developing Rassvet, a low-orbit broadband satellite communications system. The intelligence service said 23 of the listed entities, including Roscosmos, are not covered by sanctions imposed by countries in the sanctions coalition. It called for coordinated efforts to block supplies of components, equipment, software and other technologies required for the system, as well as the inclusion of involved companies on national, banking and business blacklists.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting emphasizes that Rassvet is primarily intended as a Russian military communications system. Particular attention is paid to plans to connect it with missile-targeting systems, install terminals in Iskander-M command vehicles and provide coverage over Ukraine and the EU. The sanctions gap involving nearly half of the identified entities is presented as a major vulnerability requiring faster and broader restrictions.
Background
Bureau 1440, part of ICS Holding, is the main implementer of Rassvet, with participation from IT companies, microelectronics manufacturers, research centres, Roscosmos structures and the Russian Defence Ministry. VTB supported the project financially, while Dmitry Bakanov oversees it at Roscosmos. The first 16 serial satellites were launched in March 2026. Commercial service is planned for 2027, with 292 satellites expected in the constellation by the end of 2030 and 383 spacecraft planned in total.