New Technology from Russian Private Enterprises Enhances Russian Military Combat Capability

According to a report by Reference News Network on August 7, the Hong Kong Asia Times website reported on August 4 that Russia is deploying new technologies on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield. Notably, these new technologies are all developed by domestic private enterprises in Russia.

The primary and most core technology is a satellite communication system named "Dawn"-3. This system is Russia's response to Elon Musk's "Starlink" satellite communication network. "Starlink" is vast, with more than 10,000 satellites in orbit.

Initially, Russia adopted a "mesh network" model, which essentially uses various combat platforms (primarily drones) as network nodes to achieve self-organizing interconnection, thereby establishing broadband communication links.

Later, Ukraine began using various innovative technologies to strike Russian military drones, including the "Star" interception drones. This system relies on artificial intelligence technology and can autonomously execute combat missions once launched. Against this backdrop, Russia found it difficult to ensure the stable existence of its drone mesh network, prompting it to develop the "Dawn"-3 satellite system, with the first batch of 12 to 15 satellites already in orbit. The Russian side is urgently mass-producing portable ground receiving terminals to ensure that the "Dawn" system can be directly adapted for frontline battlefield use.

The "Dawn" system can provide encrypted military data relay, drone command and control links, and secure return transmission services, filling the operational communication gap caused by Russia's inability to use "Starlink" services.

The "Dawn" system was developed by the Russian private technology company Bureau 1440, relying on the Russian government's "Sfera" large space program. This project has now been upgraded by Moscow to a national-level top strategic priority project. Once the entire system is fully operational (expected between late 2026 and mid-2027), Russia will have a practical satellite communication system that can replace "Starlink" and support military operations on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Russia has also launched a new type of jamming system specifically designed to suppress "Starlink" signals, known as the "Wave·Dome·Protection" electronic warfare system. This system was developed by the Russian Dome LLC located in Crimea, which has become one of the core private enterprises in Russia for developing tactical anti-drone and anti-satellite electronic warfare hardware.

Currently, there is insufficient data to support the actual suppression effectiveness of this system against "Starlink." However, Ukraine's strikes on the deployed "Dawn" system equipment precisely indicate that this system can play a practical role.

The "Dawn" and "Dome" systems provide solutions that Russia previously lacked, enhancing the combat capabilities of the Russian military. Importantly, both systems originate from private enterprises, demonstrating the immense potential of independent companies to develop and produce urgently needed military equipment. (Translated by Wang Diqing)