Russia to Unveil Satellite Internet Said to Surpass Elon Musk’s Starlink

The Director General of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, Dmitry Bakanov, has announced that Moscow will soon launch a satellite-powered internet system, which he claims will be more advanced than Starlink, the service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Starlink, rolled out globally since 2020, has become a critical tool in modern warfare and communication. The service offers speeds of up to 250 megabits per second and has played a significant role in the ongoing war in Ukraine, where it has been used for reconnaissance, coordination of military operations, and drone deployments along the frontlines.

Bakanov said Russia’s satellite internet project is progressing rapidly and is scheduled to be unveiled by December 2025.

“We have tested a large number of satellites in orbit, and the results continue to improve. We are moving at high speed to achieve this goal,” Bakanov stated.

The Roscosmos chief emphasized that once the project is operational, Russia’s armed forces will gain enhanced capabilities to monitor and counter drones that could be deployed against the country in future conflicts.

Currently, SpaceX dominates the satellite internet sector, operating more than 7,000 satellites. Starlink’s user base has grown to over six million across 140 countries.

By unveiling its own system, Russia seeks not only to rival Elon Musk’s technology but also to assert digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign-controlled internet systems. If successful, the project could reshape the balance of power in satellite communications.