A group of researchers from the Beijing Institute of Technology has simulated the complete jamming of Starlink in Taiwan.

This was reported by the South China Morning Post.

During the simulation, the researchers used approximately 1,000-2,000 drones equipped with electronic jamming devices to disrupt communication.

Thus, to implement a plan to blockade and suppress Taiwan in the event of war, the Beijing Institute proposes to use an extensive network of drones and balloons to form an ‘electromagnetic shield’ over the island and interfere with communications via satellites.

For the modeling, the scientists used real data from the Starlink satellite network and created a dynamic simulation of a satellite field the size of Taiwan for twelve hours. Both broadband and narrowband electromagnetic jammers were used in the model.

An F-22 fighter jet prepares to destroy a Chinese balloon, February 4, 2023. Photo credits: Reuters

According to the modeling, each radio jamming unit was placed several kilometers apart, at a high altitude of approximately 20 km, with a coverage width sufficient to block the satellite signal throughout the island.

According to the study, under ideal conditions, China would need 935 coordinated jamming nodes to effectively block Starlink. If cheaper and simpler drones with less power were used, their number would have to be increased to about two thousand.

Despite the theoretical possibility of such an operation, the researchers note that its actual implementation would require enormous resources, precise control and air control, and would be a serious logistical and military problem for the PLA.

In addition, it is noted that such an operation would be possible only if Taiwan had no air defense capabilities. Therefore, before its implementation, an operation to neutralize such systems must take place.

Starlink satellites. Photo credits: Starlink

Militarnyi previously reported that among the means of counteracting Starlink proposed by China are the use of powerful lasers (in particular from submarines), the creation of special ‘hijacker’ satellites capable of intercepting or disabling Starlink satellites, as well as sabotaging the supply of components for this system.

The documents describing ways to counteract this also propose less aggressive measures, such as diplomatic initiatives and international restrictions against private satellite networks.

The reason for Beijing’s interest is the rapid growth of Starlink’s presence in Earth orbit. Of the more than eight thousand active satellites in LEO (low Earth orbit), two-thirds belong to this American system.

It has already proved its effectiveness in conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine, where Starlink provides stable and mobile communications for the military, which is a game changer on the battlefield.