In November 2025, Chinese researchers published the results of a simulation exploring the potential to disrupt the Starlink satellite constellation over the Taiwan region. Their analysis revealed that effectively disabling this system would require not only considerable technical resources, but also an entirely new approach to electronic warfare.
The main challenge faced by military engineers is the highly dynamic nature of satellite networks. Unlike traditional communication systems with stationary signal sources, Starlink relies on thousands of low-orbit satellites that constantly move across the sky. Each user terminal connects to several satellites at once, with these connections shifting literally every second.
Orbital Dynamics and Military Technology Challenges
Chinese experts point out that because satellites are constantly in motion and follow complex orbital patterns, jamming attempts meet significant unpredictability. Starlink signals rapidly switch between different satellites, and the network itself adapts to interference attempts. Even if one satellite connection is temporarily disrupted, the user’s terminal instantly finds an alternative route.
Traditional electronic warfare methods, which rely on powerful ground-based stations, prove to be largely ineffective against this kind of architecture. To create effective interference, it is necessary not only to cover a vast area but also to synchronize the operation of numerous emitters so they can track the moving satellites.
Scale of the operation and technical requirements
Through simulations, Chinese researchers concluded that at least 935 synchronized electronic warfare platforms would be required to completely disrupt Starlink satellite communications over Taiwan. Moreover, these are not stationary objects, but mobile units mounted on drones, aerostats, or aircraft. Only such a distributed approach would create a dense electromagnetic barrier capable of temporarily disabling the satellite network in a targeted region.
However, even with this many devices, significant risks remain: possible equipment failures, the impact of local terrain, and the continuous updates and upgrades of the Starlink system itself. All of this makes the task extremely challenging and costly, with no guarantee of success.
Prospects and limitations of modern electronic warfare systems
The study’s authors emphasize that the development of next-generation satellite networks is a game-changer in military technology. Where once a few powerful transmitters were enough to block communications, now it requires an entire army of synchronized devices capable of operating amid high dynamics and uncertainty.
In the event of a possible conflict near Taiwan, such technologies could become a key component in the battle for information dominance. However, the cost and complexity of implementation cast doubt on the effectiveness of these measures. In the coming years, both satellite systems and countermeasures are expected to continue evolving.
In case you didn’t know: what is Starlink and why does it matter
Starlink is a global satellite network developed by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk. Launched in 2015, the project has since become the world’s largest low-Earth orbit constellation of communications satellites. Starlink’s primary aim is to deliver high-speed internet anywhere on the planet, including hard-to-reach and remote areas. Today, there are already more than 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, and the number of users worldwide has reached several million. The system is actively used not only for civilian purposes, but also for military operations—which has drawn close attention from various governments. SpaceX regularly updates the satellites’ software and technical specifications to increase their resilience against external influences and attempts at interference. Thanks to its architecture, Starlink can quickly recover from outages and attacks, as confirmed by its use in conflict zones. Elon Musk has repeatedly pledged to make the internet accessible to everyone, regardless of geography or political circumstances. In the coming years, the company plans to increase the satellite count to 12,000—and eventually up to 42,000—which will further boost the system’s reliability and coverage. Starlink has already transformed the way communications are organized in extreme conditions, and it remains one of the most innovative projects in the telecommunications industry.
