China is researching methods to neutralize satellite networks, drawing lessons from their critical role in Ukraine’s defense during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
NEW DELHI: Nearly four years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, satellite constellations have proven indispensable for maintaining communications, even amidst relentless electronic and physical assaults. Observing the significant impact of these networks on modern warfare, China is now exploring strategies to neutralize such systems in future conflicts.
A report by Dark Reading, citing a recent academic paper authored by researchers from two prominent Chinese universities, examined the feasibility of jamming mega-constellations like Starlink. The researchers concluded that while it is possible to disrupt these signals, doing so would require an extraordinary amount of resources.
Specifically, the study indicated that jamming Starlink signals over an area the size of Taiwan would necessitate deploying between 1,000 and 2,000 drones equipped for electronic warfare. This finding serves as a stark reminder that satellite networks are likely to be primary targets in any conflict involving China, particularly in relation to Taiwan.
Clemence Poirier, a senior cyber defense researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, emphasizes that governments and satellite operators should heed this research as a cautionary signal. Companies must take proactive measures to fortify their systems, ensure the separation of civilian and military infrastructure, and revise their threat models accordingly.
Satellite networks have emerged as high-value targets not only due to their support for military communications but also because they play an increasingly vital role in civilian connectivity. The report also notes that navigation systems are frequently subjected to jamming or spoofing in conflict zones, and cyberattacks aimed at controlling satellite orientation and positioning have become more prevalent.
Electronic and cyber intrusions present appealing options for adversaries, as they carry a lower risk of escalation compared to missile strikes on orbital assets. Analysts suggest that “gray-zone” interference allows nations to test vulnerabilities without crossing established red lines.
Constellations such as OneWeb, utilized by Taiwan for backup communications, and Starlink, which operates nearly 9,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, are designed to endure significant disruptions. Their scale and mobility complicate targeting efforts, prompting adversaries to investigate innovative techniques, including distributed jammers and coordinated drone swarms.
Simultaneously, China is advancing its own satellite constellations while bolstering its offensive capabilities. In recent years, Russia, China, and the United States have all conducted tests of anti-satellite weapons. Although no nation has yet employed such weapons against another’s spacecraft, the ongoing tests highlight the strategic importance of space. As global militaries adapt to resilient space-based infrastructures, satellite constellations are rapidly becoming central to the dynamics of future conflicts.
According to IANS, the implications of these developments are profound, as nations reassess their strategies in light of the evolving landscape of satellite warfare.