Elon Musk reportedly ordered limits on Starshield, SpaceX’s military-grade version of Starlink, disrupting some Ukrainian drone missions, according to a Wall Street Journal report published October 20. The report comes as SpaceX’s separate commercial Starlink service awaits final approvals to launch in India.
Ukraine Drones Hit by Starshield Speed Cap
The Journal reported that the restrictions began around October 14 and were imposed without warning Kyiv. Ukrainian officials said Starshield terminals stopped working on fast-moving equipment. They later reported that terminals could connect while moving at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph), a cap that affected some attack and interceptor drones.
The restriction concerned terminal movement, rather than simply slower internet speeds. Ukraine relies on satellite connectivity for battlefield communications and drone operations. Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the Journal’s account of who ordered the slowdown.
Trump and Musk Dispute Responsibility
The Journal reported that Musk and US President Donald Trump discussed the restrictions, including before the slowdown. Trump said he did not think either he or Musk was responsible for Ukraine losing access. Musk said limits on Starshield speed or use are decided by the US military or the president. Responsibility for the cap remains disputed.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Ukraine’s access to the satellite network had not been withdrawn, while pointing to the need for Kyiv to comply with the service’s terms. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed restoring Starlink and Starshield capabilities with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Starlink’s India Launch Awaits Final Approvals
The Ukraine restrictions involve Starshield, SpaceX’s defence-focused service. The separate commercial Starlink service is seeking to launch in India. Starlink has an operating licence, but security clearance and spectrum assignment are still required before it can begin service. India has said licensed satellite operators are at a broadly similar stage in the approval process.
Musk has accused unnamed “oligarchs” of delaying Starlink’s entry into India and asked whether Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani was “the real boss of India.” He provided no evidence for the accusation. Reliance said it welcomes competition from Starlink and that its own satellite service is also awaiting clearance.
Starlink’s proposed Indian service is civilian and separate from Ukraine’s military Starshield use. The two developments raise different questions: Ukraine’s reliance on satellite connectivity in wartime, and the regulatory steps required for satellite internet providers to operate in India.
