A new ground-based electronic warfare (EW) system is Russia’s latest attempt to counter Starlink satellite communications, with each unit reportedly capable of jamming up to eight transmission bands simultaneously.
Named “Volna Kupol Grant,” the system directs high-frequency radio signals toward Starlink satellites, preventing them from receiving communications within its operating area.
According to its developer, this approach overloads the satellites’ onboard antennas, allowing military forces to disrupt communications without physically damaging the spacecraft.
Unlike conventional EW systems that focus on disrupting signals near the receiver, Volna Kupol Grant uses narrow-beam, high-frequency transmissions to target the satellites themselves.
The developer also claims the disruption can persist beyond the initial attack, as affected satellites may require maintenance before returning to normal operation.
The system consists of six trailer-mounted modules, each equipped with two steerable satellite antennas housed inside protective radio-transparent domes.
Crunching the Numbers
Volna Kupol Grant reportedly disrupts Starlink signals across an area of up to 20 square kilometers (7.7 square miles).
It operates in the 14- to 14.5-gigahertz frequency range and has an effective blocking range of up to 16 kilometers (10 miles).
The system provides 360-degree coverage while weighing approximately 120 kilograms (265 pounds).
Designed to be operated by a single person, one system can reportedly protect critical infrastructure within a 4-kilometer (2.4-mile) radius.
