New Russian satellite communication terminals spotted on battlefield in Ukraine – photos, video

Russian forces have begun receiving Spirit-030 satellite terminals at the front line in large quantities, attempting to use them as a Starlink replacement.

Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's minister of defence and radio technology specialist

Details: The first such device has been located and destroyed, Flash has reported.

Following the Russians being disconnected from Starlink, they continue to seek an alternative. Unlike previous variants used in Russia, the Spirit-030 has a smaller-diameter antenna.

"It is portable and operates with a special geostationary communications satellite, which allows the use of antennas of 30 centimetres in diameter rather than 90. Russians have now begun mass-supplying such terminals to the front line," Flash explained.

The Spirit-030 antenna was identified by pilots from the 414th Birds of Madyar Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces. Ukrainian forces destroyed it with a drone strike.

"I urge all pilots to pay attention to this target," the adviser to the minister of defence stated.

Russian forces first received Spirit-030 satellite terminals back in June 2025 – they appeared in the inventory of the 144th Motorised Rifle Brigade, among others. In September 2025, they were displayed during joint Belarusian-Russian exercises called Sprint.

Background: It was previously reported that following their disconnection from Starlink terminals, the Russians began more actively seeking alternatives to maintain communications at the front line. In particular, they received new terminals based on Yamal and Express satellites and also placed emphasis on alternative communication channels, including towers with Wi-Fi bridges.

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