Starlink terminal attached to Russian UAV reportedly spotted by Ukraine

Russian troops have reportedly attached SpaceX Starlink dishes to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), improving its capabilities. 

Ukrainian defense forces took down a Russian Shahed-136. The forces claim that the Russian UAV was equipped with a Starlink dish. Ukraine is concerned about the potential of Starlink equipment combined with Russian UAVs, specifically as a reconnaissance tool. 

With Starlink, Russian UAVs can transmit information over long distances. SpaceX technology would allow Russians to change a UAV’s flight task at any distance and enable Russian troops to form strategic hits based on up-to-date information. 

SpaceX does not directly sell or deliver Starlink equipment to Russia. However, Russians have found other ways to obtain Starlink technology. According to local Ukrainian sources, Russia purchases Starlink kits from other countries. The Pentagon states that Russian troops obtain Starlink equipment through the black market, violating US sanctions. 

The Pentagon and SpaceX are actively trying to cut off access to Starlink internet from terminals obtained by Russia. The pair are working together to identify Starlink terminals acquired by Russia and cut off service. 

“Not only has SpaceX been very cooperative with the entire United States government the government of Ukraine, they’ve been forward leaning in identifying and providing information to us,” said John Hill, the Pentagon’s Deputy Chief of Space Policy.

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