Key facts
- Starlink has been crucial for Ukraine's communications, supporting civilian and military operations, including drone guidance.
- The US and European countries have funded tens of thousands of Starlink terminals and subscriptions for Ukraine.
- Ukraine has begun deploying drones that reduce or eliminate reliance on Starlink.
- Starshield is SpaceX's defense-oriented offering with enhanced security for national security customers.
Taiwan should not depend on a single foreign satellite provider for wartime communications, analysts warned, following sudden restrictions on Elon Musk's Starlink that disrupted Ukrainian drone operations. The episode has prompted renewed debate in Taiwan about the risks of entrusting essential communications to foreign commercial operators whose services could be limited for political, military, or business reasons. Starlink has been vital for Ukraine's resistance, enabling communications for civilian and military purposes, including drone guidance. The US and European countries have funded many Starlink terminals and subscriptions for Ukraine. However, Ukraine has begun developing drones that reduce reliance on Starlink, and SpaceX has previously restricted its use for drone operations. The latest disruptions on October 13, 2026, reportedly at Musk's order, throttled service for terminals exceeding 99 mph, though connectivity was restored by October 15.