Chinese researchers from Zhejiang University and the Beijing Institute of Technology have announced successful tests of a new technology capable of jamming the Starlink satellite Internet. During the simulation, the experts recreated a scenario in which the People’s Liberation Army of China has to disable enemy communications in a territory commensurate with Taiwan. Calculations showed that this is possible with the involvement of about a thousand drones equipped with electronic warfare equipment.
Beijing has intensified research into methods of countering Starlink after assessing how effectively the network worked during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Chinese experts are concerned that in the event of a conflict over Taiwan, the enemy could provide itself with stable communication directly from an orbital grouping that could potentially include up to 8,000 maneuvering satellites capable of changing frequencies, signal routes, and quickly adapting to jamming attempts. Modeling has shown that 935 to 2,000 drones with synchronized electronic warfare systems may be needed to effectively block Starlink coverage over Taiwan, depending on the technical characteristics of the equipment.
Chinese researchers are also considering the possibility of placing electronic warfare equipment on balloons or airplanes, which, in their opinion, would create a kind of electromagnetic “shield” over the enemy’s territory and disrupt satellite communications. Meanwhile, in Europe, leading aerospace companies – Airbus, Thales and Leonardo – have announced a preliminary agreement to merge their space assets into a joint venture, seeking to strengthen their positions in the satellite technology and services market amid the rapid growth of Starlink’s influence. It is also worth reminding you of the article we have already written“Connectivity of the Future: Ukraine – a test bed for mobile Starlink in Europe.”
The Starlink jamming tests show that satellite Internet is no longer just a civilian infrastructure and is increasingly becoming a strategic military resource. The use of drones and electronic warfare systems to block communications demonstrates that in future conflicts, controlling communication channels in space could be a key factor in gaining an advantage on the battlefield. This emphasizes the growing role of satellite networks in modern geopolitics and defense strategies.
