SpaceX restricts Starlink use on drones amid Ukraine war

SpaceX has introduced restrictions on the use of its Starlink satellite internet service for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a move that has reportedly affected both Russian and Ukrainian drones and begun to influence battlefield tactics.

The new measures reportedly limit or completely disable connectivity when drones reach certain speeds. Starlink connections are reduced or cut off when UAVs fly at speeds of approximately 75–90 kilometres per hour. The restrictions are said to apply to drones operated by both sides in the conflict, Caliber.Az cites Mash on Telegram. 

The measures were introduced after Russian forces began installing Starlink terminals on drones and using them to strike targets deep in the rear areas of Ukraine’s armed forces.

Sources said the restrictions are likely temporary. SpaceX is reportedly preparing so-called “whitelists” that would allow only pre-registered Starlink terminals to operate over Ukrainian territory. Such a system would effectively prevent the use of Starlink on Russian UAVs.

The issue has drawn political attention in neighbouring countries. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski recently criticised SpaceX founder Elon Musk, claiming that Russian drones using Starlink had approached Poland’s border.

Against this backdrop, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed contracts on January 30 to develop a national unmanned aerial defence system, known as SAN.

Musk later responded on social media to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, saying he was “happy to help” address the issue of Russian drones allegedly using Starlink.

By Sabina Mammadli