Chinese military researchers are developing advanced countermeasures to neutralize Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network, including stealth submarines with space-targeting lasers and attack satellites equipped with ion thrusters, report says.

A review of dozens of Chinese research papers shows a focus on how to “hunt and destroy” Starlink capabilities, citing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in its vast supply chain of over 140 primary suppliers.

Key concerns:

• Starlink’s integration with US military intelligence is seen as a strategic threat in nuclear, space, and cyber domains.
• The People’s Liberation Army is exploring multi-domain tactics, from cyberattacks and corrosive materials to deepfake targets and submarine-based lasers.
• Simulations show Starlink can maintain continuous coverage over Beijing without operating inside China.

China is also racing to launch its own military-capable constellations:

• Guowang: 60 of 13,000 satellites deployed by state-owned China SatNet.
• Qianfan: 90 satellites launched, aimed at global markets.

Any successful attack could disrupt Starlink service worldwide from Europe to Ukraine to the United States raising global cybersecurity risks.

The article first showed up at cybermagazin