FEINDEF 2025: Excem Technologies launches StarLock drone to secretly track US-made Starlink terminals in war zones.

At the 2025 edition of the International Defence and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF), held in Madrid, Excem Technologies presented a system named StarLock. According to the manufacturer, StarLock is described as the first passive Starlink monitoring system. It is designed to detect, identify, and locate US-made Starlink terminals operating in the field. The system is characterized as a fully passive intelligence tool, developed for use in multiple types of operational environments.
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The StarLock system offers wide-area Starlink detection, active terminal identification, online heatmap localization, flexible multi-scenario deployment, and drone-agnostic integration, without emitting signals or other detectable traces. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The sensor operates without emitting any signals and is intended for security organizations requiring capabilities to identify Starlink terminal activity without generating a detectable signature. The system is designed for multi-platform integration and can be deployed for missions requiring a reduced operational footprint. It is intended to support users operating in settings where technology complexity is increasing and where electromagnetic emissions could compromise operational security.

According to information provided in the brochure, the StarLock system is suited for various operational applications. These include Wide Area Persistence Surveillance (WAPS), wide area coverage, and tactical ad-hoc missions. The sensor can be mounted on a drone or operated in a stationary ground-based mode. In a drone-mounted configuration, it is reported to have a detection range of up to 5 kilometers, with an accuracy of up to 100 meters. In a stationary configuration, the detection range is extended to up to 10 kilometers, with an accuracy of up to 500 meters, under line-of-sight conditions. The sensor is intended to be used for passive monitoring of areas where Starlink terminals might be operating, and to deliver location data without alerting the target.

The StarLock sensor weighs less than 3 kilograms and has dimensions of 250 mm by 150 mm by 150 mm. The device requires an input voltage of 9–36 VDC and has a maximum power consumption of 25 watts. The internal battery provides up to 2.5 hours of operation, specifically for drone-based use. The sensor’s environmental specifications include an operational temperature range from -20°C to +40°C and the ability to perform cold starts from 0°C. It has an IP65 rating, indicating protection against dust and low-pressure water jets. The data link is encrypted using AES128 and functions over a 2.4 GHz MIMO channel, with communication ranges up to 5 kilometers. The system interfaces include USB (for auxiliary functions) and Ethernet, and it is controlled through a graphical user interface (GUI) designed to monitor and operate the sensor.

Five core capabilities are listed by the manufacturer. The first is the ability to scan wide areas of interest to detect Starlink terminals. The second is identifying terminals that are being used in the field. The third is the capacity to locate Starlink terminals through a heatmap accessed online. The fourth is the system’s claimed flexibility in deployment across various operational scenarios. The fifth is its compatibility with multiple drone platforms, described as drone-agnostic functionality. The system is noted to operate without emitting signals or other traces, which is central to its passive design.

The stated mission endurance is dependent on the drone platform used. In the context of drone operations, the internal battery allows for approximately 2.5 hours of use, aligned with common endurance times for small to medium-sized UAVs that can carry a 3 kg payload. The system’s compact form factor, its encrypted and immunized communication link, and its range and detection accuracy suggest it is intended for operational contexts where real-time monitoring of commercial satellite communication systems like Starlink is required. The interface allows for real-time interaction with the system, and the sensor is intended to be used without the need for additional payload pods, depending on the drone platform.

The system's intended function is to provide a means to gather information on the presence and usage of Starlink terminals within defined operational areas, without alerting the monitored party. It is positioned to be used in environments where electromagnetic discretion is a priority, and where understanding the use of commercial satellite communications could contribute to broader situational awareness or operational planning. The data gathered by the system can be accessed and interpreted through an interface designed for surveillance or reconnaissance personnel. The manufacturer’s materials do not specify end-user entities or deployment history but present the system as suitable for surveillance, coverage, and tactical intelligence operations involving satellite internet infrastructure.

The detection of Starlink terminals has become a significant focus in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russia has developed the Kalinka system, designed to detect and disrupt signals from SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which are crucial tools in Ukraine's military operations. Developed by the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CBST), Kalinka can locate drones and communication nodes up to 15 kilometers away and is undergoing combat testing. This capability allows Russian forces to identify and potentially target Ukrainian communication hubs that rely on Starlink for connectivity.

Beyond detection, identifying active Starlink usage is critical for operational awareness. Reports indicate that Russian forces have not only detected but also utilized Starlink terminals, allegedly acquired through third-party intermediaries. This unauthorized use complicates the operational landscape, as it blurs the lines between legitimate and illicit terminal usage. Systems capable of identifying active Starlink signals can assist in distinguishing between friendly and adversarial communications, thereby enhancing situational awareness and operational security. Accurate localization of Starlink terminals is vital for both defensive and offensive operations. The Kalinka system's ability to detect signals and potentially guide targeting mechanisms highlights the strategic advantage of pinpointing terminal locations. Such capabilities are essential for neutralizing enemy communication assets while safeguarding one's own.