A small change in the landscape can now trigger a rapid chain of decisions, giving Ukrainian operators precious minutes against mobile targets.

Satellite technology has significantly accelerated the work of Ukrainian strike units at the front. Images of terrain that previously took days to obtain can now arrive in roughly 15 minutes. This speed makes it possible to detect a moving target, confirm its presence, and attack before it changes position.

During one operation in occupied southern Ukraine, Russian drone operators were stationed in a small house. A Ukrainian unit located about 48 kilometers away prepared a medium-sized drone carrying two bombs. A recent satellite image showed a vehicle next to the building, confirming the presence of military personnel inside.

Target confirmed

– a Ukrainian pilot with the call sign Tykhyi

Satellite data for strike units

Units on the front line can independently work with the images they receive: identifying objects, plotting routes for drones, and assessing the effects of strikes. They use systems that transmit intelligence data to compact devices resembling handheld gaming consoles.

Satellites operated by the commercial satellite company Vantor can cover up to 7 million square kilometers of the Earth’s surface each day. They can photograph the same area up to 15 times within 24 hours.

In essence, we give them a satellite, – Kokos explained. – And they tell it what to photograph.

– Will Kokos

Satellite reconnaissance helps detect even minor changes in the terrain that may indicate concealed Russian positions. In particular, it makes it possible to identify:

tracks left by moving vehicles;
new roads and access routes;
cleared areas in tree lines;
cleared sites;
signs of shelters and positions being prepared.

For example, Ukrainian forces monitored a tree line in the Kherson region for several weeks. New vehicle tracks helped uncover camouflaged vehicles, which were subsequently struck.

How the target detection and engagement chain has changed

Major Mykola Kolesnyk, commander of the 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment, described satellite support as “incredibly useful.” He noted that Russian tanks are increasingly being concealed in shelters, making them more difficult to find using conventional reconnaissance methods.

Satellite data are used not only to locate individual targets. They also help prepare strikes against key Russian supply facilities, including:

weapons depots;
logistics hubs;
locations where Russian troops are deployed;
supply facilities in occupied Crimea.

The new operational cycle follows a clear sequence: a satellite detects an object, an operator confirms the target, a drone carries out the strike, and the next image makes it possible to assess the result of the attack. This reduces the time between detection and engagement, which is especially important when dealing with mobile targets.

Long-range operations against Russia

At the same time, Ukraine is increasing its long-range attacks on Russian territory. Over six months, drones made by two British companies were used in such operations. Targets included oil refineries in Volgograd and Yaroslavl.

Russia’s economic losses from Ukraine’s long-range strike campaign are estimated at more than £35 billion. From January to June, Ukraine carried out nearly 700 successful strike operations against targets in 52 Russian regions.

According to the reported data, around 600 of more than 800 launched drones were directed toward Moscow on Saturday. On the night of August 18, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that 620 drones were heading toward the Moscow region.

Rapid access to satellite imagery brings intelligence, planning, and engagement together into a single fast process. This enhances the capabilities of Ukrainian units both directly at the front and during strikes against targets deep within Russia’s defenses.