Starshield Has Resumed Operations for Ukrainian Military After Restrictions - Sources in the Ministry of Defense
Operation of the Starshield military satellite communication system on the move has been restored after restrictions imposed the day before. Restoration of communication is confirmed by reports from Ukrainian military units.
Sources in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine told hromadske, LIGA.net and "Бабель".
According to the sources, Starshield terminals are already working on the move, and the Ministry of Defense continues to investigate the causes and circumstances of the restrictions that arose on October 14.
On the night of October 14, SpaceX, without warning to the Ukrainian Defense Forces, limited the operation of Starshield terminals - the military version of the Starlink satellite system. According to sources in the Ministry of Defense, terminals lost communication when moving at speeds exceeding 160 km/h. At the same time, some military units recorded problems even at lower speeds.
The restrictions complicated the use of Ukrainian drones, including interceptor drones and medium-range strike UAVs. Problems also arose with ensuring frontline logistics, reconnaissance and signal relaying.
The Ministry of Defense began consultations with the United States, SpaceX and NATO partners. At the same time, the military was checking backup communication channels.
In the evening of October 14, former Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov announced the beginning of restoration of satellite communication at speeds up to 160 km/h. New reports from sources in the Ministry of Defense indicate that restoration is confirmed directly by military units. At the same time, it is not yet specified whether all speed restrictions have been completely lifted.
The situation was also commented on by SpaceX founder Elon Musk. According to him, Starshield systems belong to the US government, and the rules for their use are determined by the American military. The final decision on restrictions, as Musk claims, is within the competence of the US President.
However, the White House denied involvement in restricting the operation of satellite terminals and explained the situation as a technical malfunction.
Thus, the operation of Starshield for the Ukrainian military has already been restored, but the reasons for the sudden imposition of restrictions remain unclear.