Ukraine says SpaceX limits Starlink operations, disrupting military

Ukraine claims SpaceX has restricted Starlink operations, hindering military drone missions. The limited satellite internet terminals, provided by Elon Musk's company, are crucial for guiding Ukraine's long-range drone strikes in occupied southern and eastern Ukraine, causing havoc on Russian logistics. However, officials say SpaceX has imposed a restriction on some Starlink services, disrupting combat drone missions for which the technology is essential.

Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov wrote on Telegram that the defense forces were unaware of this limitation and several missions were disrupted. SpaceX stopped the operation of its military-grade version of Starlink above 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). Ukraine's 7th Rapid Reaction Corps reported that units had to cancel some missions due to the interruption.

The connection dropped for 10-20 seconds during flights at speeds of 110-120 km/h, making the drones harder to control. A defense ministry source said the limitations significantly complicate logistics and some drone operations. Despite these issues, SpaceX has not responded to a request for comment outside regular US business hours.