SpaceX moves to block Russian use of Starlink in drone attacks
Photo: First countermeasures are temporary (Getty Images)
SpaceX has begun implementing initial countermeasures at the request of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense to prevent Russian forces from using Starlink terminals for drone attacks on the country, according to Serhii Beskrestnov, the ministry's technology advisor (callsign "Flash").
"Many users of the Starlink satellite system in Ukraine are already seeing the first countermeasures that SpaceX has taken at the Ministry of Defense's request," Beskrestnov said.
He added that he cannot publicly disclose all the actions that have been taken, are underway, or planned for the future, but emphasized that their sole goal is to protect both Ukrainian civilians and military, as well as critical infrastructure, from Russia's drone threats.
The advisor described the current measures as temporary "emergency" solutions that will later be replaced by a more comprehensive, carefully designed system, which will take time to implement.
"It is long past time to collect comprehensive nationwide information on the military's use of SpaceX services. I won't hide the fact that such attempts have already been made, but many soldiers using volunteer-provided or personally owned Starlink terminals were reluctant to report this to their commanders—fearing the equipment might be taken away, not replaced, or for other reasons," Flash explained.
He emphasized that a method will definitely be devised to collect information from the military in a way that ensures Ukrainian service members trust the process.
Summing up, Flash noted that SpaceX is actively involved in the process and assists Ministry of Defense specialists.
Russia exploits Starlink
On January 23, media reports indicated that Russian forces have increasingly been using Starlink on their drones to bypass Ukrainian air defenses.
The same day, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the ministry contacted SpaceX within hours of detecting the drones to address the issue.
Starlink founder Elon Musk later responded to Fedorov's thanks, saying he was happy to help.
