Moscow employs Starlink technology to facilitate drone assaults against Ukraine.
Reports suggest Russian forces are fitting their Shahed drones with Starlink tech. This tech, from Musk's SpaceX, isn't accessible in Putin's domain but offers substantial benefits.
In a nighttime assault, Ukrainian defenses have managed to bring down Russian drones equipped with Elon Musk's Starlink satellite communication system for the first time. These drones, of Iranian origin and Shahed-136 type, were reported by the pro-Ukrainian site Defense Express.
From the 32 drones involved in the attack, 28 were successfully downed. It's unclear if all the drones were equipped with the Starlink system provided by SpaceX. According to the report, the terminal's serial number could possibly reveal the satellite system's origin.
Beyond extended range, fitting drones with Starlink enables adjustments in flight path from a distance. Previously, Russia used drones equipped with 4G receivers. However, Starlink terminals offer more dependable and longer-range data transmission. With a camera, image data could also be transmitted, transforming the Shahed into a drone with both bombing and reconnaissance capabilities.
Initially, Musk and SpaceX claimed the systematic use of the technology by Moscow's troops was unlikely. However, the Ukrainian military has pointed out the rising use of these systems by Russian attackers for quite some time. Previously, rumors surfaced that the terminals might have reached Russia via Dubai.
In response to these claims, the company declared on X that it has no business ties with the Russian government or military. "Starlink is not operational in Russia, meaning the service will not work in this country. SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it delivered equipment to Russian locations."
The European Union has expressed concern over the reported use of Starlink technology by Russian forces, as it is not available within Russian borders. Despite SpaceX's claims of no business ties with the Russian government or military, this usage raises questions about the origins of these Starlink terminals.
Given the strategic advantages of Starlink in terms of extended range and dependable data transmission, the European Union has urged its members to closely monitor any potential Starlink systems found in the hands of Russian forces, to ensure compliance with international sanctions and maintain peace and security in the region.
