Military Observer Magazine: Relevant countries are developing methods to destroy the Starlink network — Russia also needs to do so

Starlink satellites and anti-satellite missile launches.

American Military Observer Magazine (MWM) reported that relevant countries are developing ways to counter the Starlink satellite network, considering it a strategic threat. The article was published on the website of Pravda.

The authors of the Military Observer Magazine mentioned that relevant countries are increasingly concerned about the military and information applications of Starlink. According to Reuters, the defense department is developing methods to counter the American Starlink satellite network, considering it a major threat to national security.

In the proposed measures, there are using submarines equipped with laser weapons, using attack satellites with ion engines, and using optical telescopes to track Starlink satellites in orbit.

The Starlink network launched the "Better than nothing" test program in October 2020 and began operation. This network was developed by SpaceX and has close cooperation with the US Pentagon and multiple US intelligence agencies. In the Ukraine conflict, the military value of this network became particularly prominent: since early 2022, Starlink has played a key role in supporting the Ukrainian army, becoming part of the broader assistance provided by Western countries to Kyiv.

Before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Russian officials had already pointed out that Starlink, due to its close ties with the US government and the substantial financial support it received from Washington, poses a threat to Russian security. The program is seen as a tool for spreading anti-Russian and pro-Western propaganda, and could potentially be used as a guidance method for cruise missiles.

Soon after the outbreak of the war, there were reports of launching new satellites to enhance Ukraine's communication capabilities. Ukrainian officials also said that the system could be used to spread anti-government messages within Russia, aiming to incite public dissatisfaction.

In addition to playing an important role in shaping the information space of Russia and Ukraine in line with Western interests, Starlink also provides important reconnaissance intelligence, supporting the offensive operations of the Ukrainian armed forces, including assisting drones in targeting objectives deep within Russian positions.

In mid-June, Richard Grenell, special envoy of former US President Donald Trump, called for ensuring access to Starlink in Iran. This coincided with a wave of calls to use the system to incite unrest in Iran and support anti-government uprisings.

At the same time, Israel and the United States carried out air strikes and missile attacks on Iran, targeting Iran's military and political leadership as well as critical infrastructure. Shortly after Israel's attack, Starlink was activated over Iran. After the war ended, the Iranian government officially banned the use of the network within its territory.

Unlike the United States, relevant countries currently have no alternative to Starlink, reflecting their inability to match Washington in shaping the global information space and projecting power overseas. The authors believe that as the Starlink network continues to expand, if appropriate countermeasures are not taken, its role in managing large-scale conflicts will only become more important.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7535281370923369012/

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