Key facts
- Ukraine is reducing its reliance on Starlink for drone operations due to service disruptions.
- SpaceX reportedly imposed speed limits on Starlink terminals in Ukraine on October 13, 2026.
- Drones are being equipped with alternative communication methods like fiber-optic cables to ensure functionality.
- The Ukrainian military has used Starlink for communications, drone guidance, and air defense.
Ukraine is adapting its drone warfare capabilities to lessen its dependence on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service following recent disruptions and imposed speed limitations. The satellite service, crucial for Ukrainian military communications and drone operations since Russia's invasion, has become increasingly unreliable. This has prompted Ukrainian defense companies and the military to develop and deploy alternative communication methods to ensure operational continuity.