SpaceX · Elon Musk · Starlink · Ukraine · Russia · Donald Trump · Tom's Hardware
SpaceX limits Starlink service for Ukraine’s high-speed military drones without prior warning
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Ukrainian officials have accused SpaceX of limiting its satellite internet services in the country, disrupting ongoing military and combat drone missions that rely on the technology, according to a today, October 14.
Key facts
- Volunteer Serhiy Sternenko, citing military reports, said that the restrictions are tightening further, with connection drops occurring at speeds of 60–70 km/h (37–43 mph)
- According to their observations, during flights, the connection could drop for 10–20 seconds at speeds of 110–120 km/h (68–75 mph)
- The U.S. has been one of Ukraine's major allies since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, providing billions of dollars worth of direct military assistance
- Meanwhile, Ukrainian defense tech company Stetman is developing an independent domestic satellite communications system called UASAT-NANO to reduce heavy reliance on SpaceX for military operations
Summary
In a Telegram post on Wednesday, Beskrestnov said Elon Musk's company provided no prior warning before implementing the restriction. Following the limitation, Ukraine's 7th Rapid Reaction Corps, deployed on the southeastern frontline, confirmed they had to cancel multiple missions. Volunteer Serhiy Sternenko, citing military reports, said that the restrictions are tightening further, with connection drops occurring at speeds of 60–70 km/h (37–43 mph). While SpaceX has not provided a reason for the throttling, Ukrainian officials, including Beskrestnov, believe that the move is intentional, as it coincides with mounting pressure from Washington for Kyiv to halt its long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries after U.S. President Donald Trump called for an “energy ceasefire.” Musk posted on X on Saturday that “Zelensky has gone too far.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian defense tech company Stetman is developing an independent domestic satellite communications system called UASAT-NANO to reduce heavy reliance on SpaceX for military operations.