Satellite systems produced in Ukraine may end up in Russian army as journalists investigated

Gilat SkyEdge satellite internet communication systems manufactured in Ukraine are being imported to Russia in large quantities. Source: Slidstvo.info, citing customs data available to the investigative outlet Details: It is noted that in 2023, about 22,000 Gilat SkyEdge systems worth about US£5 million were imported to Russia.

At the same time, these systems are manufactured in Uzhhorod by the plant of the American outsourcing company Jabil Circuit for the Israeli corporation Gilat Satellite Networks.

According to Slidstvo.info, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the media has regularly reported on the transfer of such Gilat systems to the Russian army at the front. Quote: "Gilat satellite communication systems are sold en masse by dealers across Russia, and the notes to the ad often state that they are suitable for the needs of the 'special military operation' [as the Russians call the war in Ukraine - ed.]. This is one of the reasons why Gilat satellites can be seen in the reports of other 'assistants' of the Russian invaders' army," the investigation says.

Details: Slidstvo.info clarified that after the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Gilat did not close its business in Russia and continues to import equipment through its subsidiary Gilat Satellite Networks (Eurasia) LLC. Quote: "Since the early 2000s, Gilat Satellite Networks has been helping Russians build satellite communications networks for both private and public sector needs. Gilat is also a partner of the largest satellite communications operators, including Rostelecom subsidiary RTKomm and Gazprom subsidiary Gazprom Space Systems.

One of the company's activities is the development of military communications technologies," Slidstvo.info notes.  Rostelecom purchased Gilat systems in March 2024. The investigation says they are also supplied to the Russian Interior Ministry agencies. 

At the same time, Roman Steblivskyi, Head of the sanctions section of the Trap Agressor project, said in a comment to the investigators that it is difficult to impose sanctions on a business like Gilat because it requires "very clear evidence of not just the use of their products by the military, but their use in the war against Ukraine."

Background: Despite the sanctions, Russia continues to purchase nearly 2,000 components for its fighters, which are produced by 200 companies in 22 nations.

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