Russian Drone Warfare: Shifting to Cellular Connectivity (legrandcontinent.eu)

• SIM-equipped drones facilitate remote navigation and data updates.
• Cellular links serve as a fallback to counter GPS interference.
• Approximately 20% of current drone strikes utilize mobile network data.

"Russian forces have pivoted to using cellular SIM cards in Shahed drones to maintain command and control after SpaceX curtailed illicit Starlink access. These mobile network links allow for remote guidance and trajectory updates, effectively mitigating some GPS jamming efforts. Expert analysis suggests approximately 20% of Russian drone strikes against Ukraine now leverage cellular connectivity. While this workaround offers tactical flexibility, Russian troops continue to struggle with battlefield communications, leading to the deployment of various improvised signal boosters and local Wi-Fi networks."