The speed limit of Starlink satellite communication for the Ukrainian military has fallen to critical levels, which directly affected the effectiveness of intercepting Russian jet UAVs by JEDI Shahed Hunter drones.
The speed limit of Starlink satellite communication for the Ukrainian military has fallen to critical levels, which directly affected the effectiveness of intercepting Russian jet UAVs by JEDI Shahed Hunter drones.
This was reported by LIGA.net and "Suspilne" with reference to the statement of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during a press briefing in Brussels.
According to the head of state, the speed reduction was "a very unpleasant and dangerous surprise." To intercept enemy drones moving at speeds over 400 km/h, the Armed Forces of Ukraine use special high-speed JEDI Shahed Hunter interceptor drones equipped with Starlink terminals. At the same time, due to restrictions, the communication speed for Ukrainian terminals has dropped to 70 km/h in some cases.
"We use special interceptors that move at high speed. Interceptor drones that move precisely with Starlink. That’s why Starlink was not turned off, but the speed was reduced. And when the speed was reduced, we were unable to shoot down a certain number of "Shaheeds". This is very painful and unpleasant. The "Shaheeds" were traveling at a speed of over 400 km/h, and we were reduced to 70 km/h," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President emphasized that the Starshield satellite communication is used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine exclusively for military purposes in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine (middle strikes), as well as for logistics — in particular, the delivery of water and food by drones to military personnel in positions. He assured that Ukraine does not use the terminals for long-range strikes on Russian territory, although it has approached SpaceX and the White House about opening up such an opportunity.
Ukraine is also not considering a complete replacement for Starlink, but is actively seeking alternative and additional satellite communication solutions together with partners, in particular with France, to increase its own independence.
It was previously reported that the European Union is negotiating with Ukraine regarding its full accession to the GOVSATCOM secure satellite communications program. The system should be a temporary solution and expand available communication channels amid disruptions in the Starlink network, which is actively used by the Ukrainian military.
