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.
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.
The Starlink may be interfaced with Israeli-made LAR-160 light artillery rockets being used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) 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 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.
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, 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.
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.”