Starlink speed limits leave Ukraine unable to catch Russian jet-powered Shahed drones
Ukrainian interceptor drones cannot shoot down jet-powered drones (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Following an appeal to SpaceX by Ukraine's General Staff and Defense Ministry, stable Starlink operation was secured at speeds of up to 160 km/h. However, this restriction still significantly hampers efforts to counter Russian jet-powered Shahed drones, according to a knowledgeable source in the security and defense sector.
"SpaceX introduced a 160 km/h limit, but something glitched, and the limit fluctuated between 80 and 160 km/h, including on the front line. The Defense Ministry and General Staff contacted the company with a complaint and provided examples. SpaceX responded that they would fix the issue, but the 160 km/h limit would remain," the source said.
According to the source, the interceptors that have proven most effective at shooting down Russian jet-powered drones will be unable to catch up with them under such a speed limit.
"But we are now working on alternatives and continuing communication with SpaceX," the source added.
Starlink operates with restrictions
Ukrainian military personnel have reported since overnight that Starshield terminals (the "military package" of Starlink) installed on drones can maintain a connection only at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
There have also been cases where the connection was lost at lower speeds.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia took advantage of this situation and launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine.
In particular, the Kirovohrad region has been under massive attack for several hours.
Explosions were also heard in western regions throughout the day.
