Russia Tests Satellite Connectivity to Enhance the Operational Range of Long-Range Drones

On April 23, 2025, the Russian news agency TASS announced that the design bureau Intelligent Devices (Intelp) has commenced testing the first national real-time satellite communication system specifically designed for tactical long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This innovative system aims to enhance the operational autonomy of Russian UAVs, allowing them to function beyond the constraints of line-of-sight communication and ground-based relays, thereby significantly extending their operational range. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to bolster national capabilities in a domain that has become essential for contemporary conflicts and operations in remote areas such as the Arctic and maritime zones.

Focusing on communication technologies, Intelp has created a solution that is compatible with compact and mobile subscriber stations, featuring a reduced-aperture antenna. As stated by the bureau’s General Director, Alexander Kondrashina, the system adheres to regulatory emission standards while optimizing frequency utilization through code compression techniques. He also emphasized that the technology guarantees stable connectivity at the periphery of geostationary satellite coverage zones, as well as with future high-elliptical orbit constellations, making it ideal for reliable communications even in high-latitude regions. This is particularly pertinent for deployment along the Northern Sea Route and in maritime areas such as the Russian Far East, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.

Denis Fedutinov, an expert in unmanned aviation, underscored the importance of this technological advancement, noting that the integration of satellite communication allows UAVs to function well beyond the limits of traditional radio links. He pointed out that the system’s compact design and lightweight nature facilitate its use not only on larger drones but also on tactical platforms like the Orion (Inokhodets), Sirius (Inokhodets-RU), Helios-RLD, and upcoming models being developed under the Altius program. This represents a significant milestone for the Russian UAV sector.

From a technical perspective, the system mainly operates within the Ku frequency band, with plans for a C band version as well. It integrates a 35 cm diameter parabolic antenna with a feedhorn, transceiver, control and positioning modules, and an intelligent tracking system into a cohesive unit. This configuration enables a UAV to sustain communication with geostationary satellites while in motion. The antenna is capable of rotating at speeds of up to 200 degrees per second, ensuring a reliable connection even on high-speed UAVs or small marine vessels, with the entire subscriber station weighing less than 8 kg.

Additionally, Intelp indicated that the system supports quick reconfiguration of communication channel parameters at the software level. Featuring a built-in router, proprietary IP architecture, and a method for optimizing data structure and transmission volume, the system can be seamlessly integrated into any existing data network infrastructure. This flexibility meets the increasing demand for modularity in contemporary command and control systems.

This innovative solution provides reliable satellite coverage beyond the line of sight, even in Arctic regions, thanks to its compatibility with high-elliptical orbits, setting it apart from traditional systems. The United States has been a leader in this field for decades, outfitting UAVs such as the MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk with SATCOM links via WGS (Wideband Global SATCOM) satellites.

Similarly, Israel has equipped its Heron TP drones with comparable capabilities, while Turkey has integrated Ku-band satellite links into its Bayraktar Akinci and Anka UAVs. Although China is less forthcoming about its technical specifications, it has included SATCOM in its MALE-class drones like the CH-5 and is working on its own low-Earth orbit satellite constellations.

The United Kingdom is also enhancing its MQ-9B-based Protector RG Mk1 with satellite communication features. In light of these global developments, Russia is striving to improve its satellite communication capabilities for UAVs, aiming to extend these technologies to lighter and more adaptable platforms.

This initiative follows President Vladimir Putin’s directive in January for increased funding to expedite the rollout of low-Earth orbit satellite constellations. The commencement of testing for this inaugural satellite communication system designed for tactical long-endurance UAVs marks a pivotal advancement in modernizing Russia’s drone capabilities.

Its compact architecture, adaptable software, and functionality in underserved regions position it as a potentially game-changing asset for Russia’s UAV operations, mirroring a wider global shift towards more autonomous drone systems capable of executing intricate missions independently of ground-based infrastructure.