Russia to produce 200,000 satellite communication terminals for drones in 2026

Russia plans to manufacture 200,000 broadband satellite communication terminals this year for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov announced during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

“Here is the terminal — 200,000 will be produced this year,” Bakanov said while demonstrating the device to Putin at an exhibition set up in the Aminyevskoye depot of the Moscow Metro, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Bakanov also presented the Zorkiy Earth observation spacecraft, noting that three satellites were launched in December 2024. He added on Channel One that by 2027, a constellation of more than 300 Zorkiy satellites will be in orbit.

According to officials, Zorkiy functions similarly to SpaceX’s Starlink, providing broadband satellite coverage and advanced communication capabilities for drones and other applications.

By Vugar Khalilov