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Starlink is used by the Russian military. Among other things, to control drones and missiles. For a long time, Ukraine has asked for measures to prevent Starlink from being used for targeted attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and positions. Now it has come up with a number of measures to limit the Russians’ use for navigation. This is one of the reasons why Ukraine has made great progress at the front, especially in the south.

What is Starlink?

SpaceX, Elon Musk’s company, operates Starlink. Starlink is a global internet service provider that delivers high-speed broadband via a constellation of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (approximately 550 km up), developed by SpaceX. Using a parabolic antenna on the ground, it provides fast, low-latency internet to remote areas without fiber or cable coverage.

Fast internet without cables makes the system particularly suitable for war zones.

Starlink used for missile guidance

Starlink terminals are found in Russian missiles used in Ukraine. The advantage of using such a terminal is that it receives signals from without being dependent on other navigation equipment. As a result, these missiles do not emit signals that can localize them, making it difficult to shoot them down.

Russia is not supposed to have an alternative to the system and is therefore dependent on a navigation system that sends tracks. One of the measures Starlink has taken is to block all terminals moving at high speed in Ukraine or in the airspace above Ukraine. In recent days, drone and missile attacks have declined sharply, probably due to Starlink’s measures.

Ukraine progress on the front line

The Ukrainian army has also launched an offensive to win back some of the occupied territory. How much Ukraine has taken back is a little uncertain. Most sources operate with at least 300 square meters in the last week. This is the fastest Ukrainian advance since the Kharkiv advance in 2022.

Starlink terminals used in Ukraine can only be terminals that are registered in Ukraine. In this context, the occupied territories are not considered Ukrainian territory. This means that terminals from Russia, for example, do not work in Ukraine. This means that the Russians cannot use the system for communication and localization of Ukrainian positions along the front line. Especially at the front in Zaporizhzhya, the Ukrainian progress is great.

Sources:

Wikipedia: Starlink in the Russo-Ukrainian war

The Hindu: Starlink loss a blow to Russian forces in Ukraine, say experts

France 24: Starlink loss a blow to Russian forces in Ukraine: experts

Euro News: Ukraine is ramping up its counteroffensive regaining territories from Russian troops