Chinese scientists test drone swarm technology to jam Starlink

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), experts from Zhejiang University and the Beijing Institute of Technology have successfully tested technology to suppress satellite internet using drones.

During the experiment, the scientists simulated a scenario where the Chinese People’s Liberation Army would need to disrupt an enemy’s Starlink communications over a region the size of Taiwan.

Calculations revealed that such an operation is technically feasible. However, the operation would require approximately one thousand unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with electronic warfare (EW) systems.

Effectiveness in Ukraine caught Beijing’s attention

According to the newspaper, China began searching for ways to block the satellite internet developed by billionaire Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, after evaluating Starlink’s effectiveness following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Beijing administration began considering how to conduct a potential conflict over Taiwan when an adversary communicates not through vulnerable ground stations, but via a network of 8,000 satellites. This network can maneuver in orbit, alter frequencies and signal routes, resist interference, and adapt more quickly than jamming efforts can be applied.

An ‘electromagnetic shield’ will be created from drones

During the experiment, scientists concluded that blocking this type of internet connection in Taiwan would require between 935 and 2,000 drones equipped with synchronized signal jammers. The number of drones used will vary depending on the quality and complexity of the equipment.

In addition to drones, Chinese experts also suggest placing electronic warfare systems on balloons or aircraft. According to the experts, all these elements should create an electromagnetic “shield” over enemy territory.

What is Starlink and how is it used in Ukraine?

Starlink is known as a satellite network that provides broadband internet access anywhere on the planet. For this purpose, a constellation of more than 8,800 satellites is being deployed in orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers.

Starlink terminals play a crucial role in Ukraine’s defense against Russia, enabling the operation of drones, mobile air defense groups, electronic warfare systems, and video surveillance systems.