Why Ukraine’s air defense needs Starlink: Air Force explains risks of restrictions
Photo: A Ukrainian serviceman and Starlink (Getty Images)
Ukraine uses Starlink to protect its skies from aerial threats. Therefore, speed restrictions could make it impossible to use the system, including on jet-powered interceptor drones, Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, states in an episode of RBC-Ukraine’s TSE BAZA podcast.
He noted that Ukrainian helicopter crews also use Starlink to improve target acquisition and ensure a stable exchange of information with combat control officers on the ground.
"A helicopter flies at a speed of approximately 300–350 kilometers per hour. If the speed restriction that was discussed is introduced, this could become a problem. Tactical aviation may also use or may already be using Starlink — I don’t want to disclose all the details — for reliable communications, satellite internet, and so on," Ihnat explained.
In addition, another area where Starlink is used is jet-powered interceptor drones. Their use could become significantly more difficult or even impossible if Starlink speeds are restricted.
"We really need this type of connectivity, primarily because operating interceptor drones requires high-speed internet. That is why Starshield and similar systems are essential for us, above all, to protect our skies from aerial threats," Ihnat emphasized.
On October 24, sources in Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense told RBC-Ukraine that military Starlink in Ukraine had resumed operating at speeds exceeding 161 km/h.
Later, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara said that the Ministry of Defense’s monitoring systems were recording speeds of over 400 km/h, while the connection remained stable.
