russian forces have begun deploying new Spirit-030 compact satellite communication terminals on the front line. These systems are significantly harder to detect due to their smaller antenna size.
The development was reported by Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense on technological issues, via his Telegram channel.
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According to Beskrestnov, satellite communications became a critical issue for russian forces after losing reliable access to the Starlink network. Traditional russian satellite terminals rely on 90 cm dishes, which are relatively easy to detect and target using Ukrainian electronic intelligence and drone reconnaissance.
The new Spirit-030 operates via a dedicated geostationary satellite, allowing the antenna diameter to be reduced to just 30 cm. This compact design improves mobility and significantly lowers both the visual and electronic signature of the system.
"russian forces are now mass-deploying these terminals to the front. Essentially, this is a portable satellite internet terminal adapted for tactical use," Beskrestnov noted.
Despite its reduced signature, the first Spirit-030 terminal has already been located and neutralized by operators of the 414th Strike Unmanned Systems Brigade, known as Magyar's Birds.
Beskrestnov has urged Ukrainian drone operators to prioritize these systems as "high-value targets."
russia is actively seeking to achieve greater autonomy in communications following restrictions on Starlink. In March 2026, it launched the first 16 Rassvet satellites into orbit. Although initially presented as a civilian project, the constellation is now being repurposed for military use to support occupation forces.
At the same time, a shortage of secure high-speed communication channels is forcing russian forces to adapt their tactics. This includes the use of low-cost Molniya drones to bypass Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) systems.
Earlier reports also noted efforts to boost Shahed accuracy by adding satellite links to bypass Ukrainian air defenses.
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