Russian Drones Continue Using Starlink Terminals Despite Pentagon Promises
Russia continues to integrate Starlink terminals into its strike drones, despite measures previously announced by the Pentagon to block such devices.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Defense Express.
A Russian Molniya drone with a mini-Starlink terminal attached was recently spotted, demonstrating that Russia is finding ways to obtain satellite internet from SpaceX.
Photos released by Ukrainian experts show that the terminals are even attached with cable ties, indicating the temporary but functional nature of such solutions.
The use of Starlink on drones significantly expands the enemy's capabilities. Shahed and RD-8 drones equipped with satellite internet can operate over long distances, conduct reconnaissance, and strike priority targets, including moving ones.
Back in May 2024, the Pentagon announced that it was preparing an “ultimate” solution to Starlink in enemy hands, including the idea of creating a “white list” of permitted terminals and blocking all others.
In June of the same year, hundreds of “illegal” terminals were shut down, but according to the latest data, this measure did not completely solve the problem.
Even isolated cases of Starlink use on drones pose a serious threat, as the devices remain effective and allow the enemy to bypass traditional means of communication.
Starlink is very important for the Ukrainian military, giving them reliable and fast satellite communication even in areas close to the front lines.
To help out with this project, partner countries are giving financial support and technical resources. Estonia, for example, has allocated €3.5 million to purchase new Starlink terminals as part of the IT Coalition, which supported the deployment of drones on the front lines.
Poland, meanwhile, has announced that it would continue to fund Starlink, supplying more than 29,000 terminals and ensuring their use in military units, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure.
The Gaze previously reported that, in a major step towards satellite technology independence, Ukrainian company STETMAN had signed a licensing agreement with Sweden’s Requtech to begin serial production of advanced flat satellite terminals in Ukraine.