# Sudan rebels are using Starlink for communications and drone targeting

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/04/rsf-using-starlink-for-communications-and-drone-targeting/
- Published: 2024-04-30T08:50:50+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has become a breeding ground for innovative solutions
to overcome the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. As the conflict intensifies, 
warring factions are constantly seeking new methods to gain the upper hand. One 
such development is the remarkable adoption of Starlink by the Rapid Support Forces(
RSF).

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, has become an integral
part of the RSF’s military operations. Starlink terminals are currently deployed
across all active battlefronts, providing a vital communication backbone for the
RSF. These terminals, easily recognizable by their flat, pizza-box-sized design,
are often mounted on ubiquitous Toyota pickup trucks used by the RSF. In some cases,
these terminals are camouflaged to avoid detection by Sudanese Army drones.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240430_74419.jpg)

RSF soldiers posing in front of a Starlink Terminal

Recently, Starlink terminals has been used to carry out military operations in Sudan
by the Rapid Support Force (RSF) and is still in use on all front lines as of today.
Starlink has been seen in use at numerous RSF bases and has likely become the essential
backbone of communication on Sudan battlefields. The terminals can be mounted anywhere,
as long as they can see the sky. This includes fast-moving objects like vehicles.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX,  providing coverage
to over 70 countries. It also aims to provide global mobile broadband.

In Sudan, Starlink are used to connect the RSF soldiers on the field to their Operations
Command, and are also being used to connect and fly drones to attack Sudan forces,
as well as to send back video to correct artillery fire.

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The Starlink may be interfaced with Israeli-made LAR-160 light artillery rockets
[being used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ](https://www.military.africa/2023/10/israeli-artillery-seen-with-rsf-forces/)
in Sudan against the Sudanese army. The LAR-160 is a 160mm caliber multiple rocket
launcher that can fire up to 26 rockets at a time. It has a range of up to 45 kilometers
and can be used to attack a variety of targets, including infantry, armor, and artillery.

Also, Starlink enables mobile networks with encrypted group chats connecting RSF
commanders to their soldiers on the battlefield. The soldiers upload real-time images
of potential targets while the commanders decide where to strike. Drone-reconnaissance
unit are also equipped with a Starlink terminal attached on the roof of their car
for guiding drones on the battlefield.

In Sudan, the RSF operates a large number of [military-grade](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/mystery-armed-drone-surfaces-again-this-time-in-sudan/)
and commercial Off-the-Shelf drones which they fit with explosive munitions which
they use against Sudan’s Army forces. RSF forces are being assisted and advised 
by Russian PMC Wagner Group, while Sudan forces are allied with Ukraine.

The use of Starlink in military operations was first seen in Ukraine. SpaceX’s Starlink
internet service has played a crucial role in providing internet access to Ukraine
during the conflict with Russia. The technology has been used for guiding Ukraine’s
drone strikes on Russian tanks and positions, enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

> [Africa emerges as the new battleground between Russia and Ukraine](https://www.military.africa/2023/11/africa-emerges-as-the-new-battleground-between-russia-and-ukraine/)

The technology has proven instrumental in guiding Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian
tanks and positions, significantly enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The
conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has since [spilled over into Africa](https://www.military.africa/2023/11/africa-emerges-as-the-new-battleground-between-russia-and-ukraine/),
where both sides are using drones to target each other’s interests in the continent.
Ukrainian forces have been conducting a covert operation in Sudan, [hunting down and eliminating Russian mercenaries and their local allies.](https://www.military.africa/2024/03/ukraine-strikes-russian-interests-in-sudan-with-covert-drone-operation/)

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Starlink’s role in providing internet access to Ukraine and the RSF during conflict
highlights its strategic importance. While it offers significant advantages, concerns
remain about its long-term implications and the need for responsible satellite deployment
to mitigate risks to space infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Starlink has become a lifeline for some in a country where the internet
has gone down regularly since war erupted last April between Sudan’s army and paramilitary
force. However, the system, which can bring connectivity where there is no land-
based network, is not officially available in Sudan. Instead, the kits have made
their way into the country “illegally via Libya, South Sudan and Eritrea. The Sudanese
government, which is loyal to the army, banned Starlink devices in December.

SpaceX, the operator of the Starlink internet service, has notified subscribers 
in Sudan that it will cease operating in the country effective 30 April. The company
stated in a widespread message to service users in Sudan: “According to the terms
of use, the service is only allowed to be used in countries authorized to operate
the service.” The message indicated that owners of Starlink devices were using them
in areas that were not included in the map of operational areas they had previously
reviewed in the terms of use. The company stated that it agrees to the use of its
satellite internet service during temporary travel and transit lasting no more than
two months.

Hamdan Mahmoud, a network engineer, told Radio Tamazuj, that the Starlink service,
according to the company’s message, will cease operations in countries where the
company has not been granted permission to operate.

“The decision to suspend the service came following objections from telecommunications
companies in Sudan to the operation of Starlink service in the country, prompting
the Ministry of Communications to file a complaint to SpaceX demanding the cessation
of the service in Sudan due to the lack of prior licenses for the company,” he explained.“
The service will be discontinued on April 30 for all devices subscribed to the regional
package, but there is another option for Starlink device owners to continue operation,
which is to use the global service.”

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