As satellite networks become key to modern warfare, China studies methods to jam them

New Delhi - Nearly four years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, satellite constellations have emerged as a lifeline for Kyiv, enabling uninterrupted communication even amid intense physical and electronic attacks.

China, closely observing their effectiveness on the battlefield, is now researching how such satellite networks could be neutralised in future conflicts.

According to a report by Dark Reading, a recent Chinese-language academic study conducted by researchers from two leading universities examined whether mega-constellations like Starlink can be successfully jammed.

Their conclusion: It is technically possible — but requires an enormous amount of resources.

The study estimates that disrupting Starlink over an area the size of Taiwan would demand 1,000 to 2,000 drones outfitted with electronic jamming systems, the report said.

These findings highlight that satellite systems will likely be among the primary targets in any conflict involving China, especially over Taiwan.

Clemence Poirier, senior cyber defence researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, warned that governments and satellite operators should treat this research as a serious alert.

According to her, companies must strengthen their networks, create clearer separation between civilian and military satellite systems, and update their threat models.

Satellite networks have become high-value assets not only because they support military operations but also because they are increasingly essential for civilian connectivity.

The report also notes that navigation systems are regularly jammed or spoofed near conflict zones, and cyberattacks aimed at manipulating satellite orientation and positioning have become more frequent.

Experts point out that electronic and cyber attacks attract adversaries because they carry a lower risk of escalating into full-scale conflict compared to direct missile strikes on satellites.

These “gray-zone” activities allow nations to test vulnerabilities without crossing major red lines.

Mega-constellations like OneWeb — used by Taiwan for backup communication — and Starlink, which operates nearly 9,000 low-earth-orbit satellites, are built to endure significant interference.

Their scale and constant motion make them tough targets, prompting adversaries to explore new methods such as coordinated drone swarms and distributed jamming systems.

China, meanwhile, is developing its own large satellite networks and boosting its offensive capabilities.

Russia, China, and the United States have all conducted anti-satellite weapon tests in recent years. Although no country has targeted another’s satellites in orbit, the increasing frequency of tests underscores the growing strategic importance of space.

As armed forces around the world restructure around resilient, space-based systems, satellite constellations are rapidly becoming central to how future conflicts will be fought.

With inputs from IANS