Russia Develops Internet Service Similar to Starlink Using Argus Drones, Trial March 2026

Illustration of Starlink. (Starlink - SpaceX)

JAKARTA - Russian developers will begin testing high-speed internet access for soldiers and civilians with communication systems such as the Starlink satellite.

The Izvestia newspaper, quoted by Tass, reported that Russia had scheduled March 2026 to begin testing this Starlink-like telecommunications system by flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone called Argus, which serves as an operator.

"The Argus drone can be used as a telecommunications operator, transmitting high-definition video, providing front-line communications, and controlling other drones. This is important given the fact that Russia does not have a very large satellite constellation capable of transmitting such a volume of data in real time," said the head of the project, Nikolas Oksman.

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers.

The new Argus drone can only be shot down using surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems such as Patriot or S-300.

Oksman said the drone will use solar energy, which will give it almost unlimited flight time, and control can be done automatically or manually.

Meanwhile, what distinguishes the Argus drone feature from the satellite is its ability to fly to a specified area and hover over it.

Oksman added that this drone can also be used as a jammer for satellite navigation and communication, which is highly relied on by modern Western weapons.

Argus is said to make enemy defenses useless by operating in the stratosphere. This drone can also be used to monitor ice conditions along the Northern Sea Route and send information for agricultural purposes.