Russia Exploits Starlink Technology to Extend Drone Attack Range

Since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, drones have become a critical component of the Russian military arsenal, enabling attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure while bypassing air defenses. Reports indicate that Russia has attempted to use Starlink satellite terminals on its drones, extending the range of BM-35 attack drones up to 500 kilometers, threatening the rear of Ukraine. Elon Musk announced that SpaceX has successfully prevented unauthorized use of the Starlink network by Russian forces. The Ukrainian military discovered several Russian drones equipped with Starlink, and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirmed this exploitation. Ukraine promptly contacted SpaceX to address the issue, with CEO Gwynne Shotwell and Elon Musk personally responding. Starlink, consisting of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites, provides low-latency internet crucial for Ukrainian military communications. SpaceX does not sell or provide Starlink terminals to Russia, suggesting that Moscow may have acquired equipment through third parties, circumventing international sanctions. Ukrainian authorities are collaborating with SpaceX to implement a system ensuring only Ukrainian terminals can operate, mitigating further misuse. The ISW reports indicate Russian use of Starlink-equipped Geran drones began in September 2024, later expanding to Molniya drones in December 2025.