Russia claims its `Kalinka’ system can locate and disrupt Starlink signals

Russia is reported to have developed a system that can locate, track and destroy signals from SpaceX’s Starlink satellites that helped Ukraine accurately locate and destroy Russian targets during the ongoing conflict.

The `Kalinka’ monitoring system, developed by an autonomous non-profit organisation, the Centre for Unmanned Systems (CBST), can specifically locate, track and obstruct signals from the US-based satellite internet constallation, according to Russian state news agency TASS.

Russian forces are currently evaluating the combat effectiveness of the system that would help identify unmanned boats and the so-called “Baba Yaga” drones, the report quoted Andrei Bezrukov, chairman of the board of CBST, as saying.

With Moscow launching full-scale invasion, Starlink terminals have become essential for Ukraine’s military to locate and hit key Russian targets. 

Signals from Starlink terminals were crucial for Ukraine, especially in directing aerial and sea drones to strike Russian targets. 

Ever since, Moscow has been working on countermeasures to offset the effectiveness of Starlink’s communication signals.

The Kalinka system is capable of accurately locating Starlink-linked drones and boats, allowing Russian forces to target them from as far as 15 km from the object, according to the TASS report. 

Kalinka can detect both moving and stationary Starlink communication nodes. It is also being integrated into various platforms, including jet skis, boats, and helicopters. 

Additionally, the technology can be used to locate Starlink communication terminals deployed on the ground within conflict zones, the report said, adding that the Kalinka system has already entered small-scale production.

CBST is group of over 200 companies specialising in defence and security technologies and is supported by Russia’s United Russia party.

SpaceX, a private American company led by maveric entrepreneur Elon Musk, operates Starlink, a low-orbit satellite constellation that provides high-speed internet access across the world, including remote and isolated areas.