Ukrainian forces report drone disruptions after Starlink service limits
Ukrainian military sources say Starlink service limits disrupted some drone missions and complicated logistics. The reason for the limits is unclear.
Ukrainian forces reported disruptions to drone missions in Ukraine after Starlink service limits took effect on Tuesday evening, 13 October. Presidential technology adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov told the Guardian that several combat missions failed and the armed forces had received no warning.
How the Starlink limits affected drones
Reuters reported that Beskrestnov said SpaceX had stopped operating a military-grade version of Starlink above 160 km/h. Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Reaction Corps said connections could drop for 10–20 seconds at speeds of 110–120 km/h, making drones harder to control; some missions were cancelled. A Ukrainian defence ministry source told Reuters the limits also significantly complicated logistics and some drone operations.
The reason for the limits is unclear. Reuters said SpaceX had not immediately responded to its request for comment outside regular US business hours.
Sources and context
- Ukrainian soldiers in combat have access to Starlink satellite internet restrictedThe Guardian
- Ukraine says SpaceX limits Starlink operations, disrupting militaryReuters, republished by The Straits Times
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