The project to create a Russian analog of Elon Musk's "Starlink," which includes 383 satellites, could cost 445 billion rubles. Of this amount, 329 billion is expected to come from extrabudgetary sources, while 116 billion will be drawn from the budget.

Axar.az reports that this information was published by the Moscow Times.

“The funds will be directed towards the development and launch of communication satellites for the system previously prepared by the ‘Bureau 1440’ company, which was formerly owned by Alisher Usmanov’s structures,” the report states.

Leonid Konik from ComNews Research noted that 329 billion rubles is a significant amount for private investors, and the missing funds could be covered by the government through closed budget items.

He added that the use of satellite internet has demonstrated its importance in the war in Ukraine.

It is reported that Musk’s “Starlink” has greatly assisted Ukrainian troops, especially at the beginning of the Russian invasion. Ukrainian forces continue to use “Starlink” services provided under a contract with the Pentagon.