Russia is using Starlink to make its killer drones fly farther
6 days ago
- #Starlink
- #Russia-Ukraine War
- #Military Technology
- Russia is using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite systems on attack drones to strike deeper into Ukraine, extending their range into NATO territory.
- Ukrainian officials report 'hundreds' of attacks by Russian drones equipped with Starlink, targeting civilian areas and residential buildings.
- Starlink allows Russian drones to bypass Ukraine’s electronic defenses, making them more precise and harder to jam.
- Starlink-equipped drones are cheaper and more effective than advanced models, costing between $250 and $500.
- A BM-35 drone with Starlink can fly up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), posing a threat to Ukraine, Moldova, and parts of Poland, Romania, and Lithuania.
- Ukraine’s Defense Minister has contacted SpaceX to address Russia’s use of Starlink, with SpaceX responding quickly to the situation.
- Ukraine relies heavily on Starlink for military, government, and civilian communications, including hospitals and schools.
- Russian troops bypass sanctions by purchasing Starlink systems in third countries and using them along the frontlines.
- Elon Musk defended Starlink as the 'backbone of Ukraine military communications' but did not address Russia’s use of the system.