Starshield restrictions disrupt communications with Ukrainian helicopters intercepting Russian drones
Speed restrictions on the US-controlled Starshield satellite communications system remain in place and have disrupted an important information channel used by Ukrainian combat helicopters to intercept Russian attack drones, Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known as Flash, said on October 19.
According to Beskrestnov, Starshield terminals continue to face restrictions when moving faster than 160 kilometers per hour.
He previously warned that the restrictions prevented Ukraine's jet-powered interceptor drones from effectively countering Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.
Now, he says, the problem also affects combat helicopters used to shoot down conventional Shahed drones.
"A significant share of ordinary Shaheds are shot down by our helicopters. Helicopters fly faster than 160 km/h. The Starshield speed restriction has affected an important channel for transmitting information to combat helicopters," Beskrestnov wrote on Telegram.
"It is very difficult for me to comprehend how one sudden step by our partners is undermining a significant part of our defense," he added, expressing hope that the issue was a misunderstanding that would be resolved.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said on October 19 that Ukrainian military equipment using the satellite communications system was losing connectivity at speeds of approximately 130–161 km/h.
The restrictions were first reported on October 14, when Ukraine's Defense Ministry confirmed that Starshield terminals had been subjected to speed limits without prior warning.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk subsequently said that Starshield systems were owned and controlled by the US government, which was responsible for decisions on their use.
The White House denied deliberately restricting Ukraine's access, attributing the disruption to a technical malfunction.
On October 15, Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported that Starshield connectivity for moving equipment had begun to recover, but the latest statements indicate that the speed restrictions have not been fully lifted.