SpaceX implements countermeasures against use of Starlink on Russian UAVs
Elon Musk's SpaceX has taken countermeasures at the request of Ukraine's Ministry of Defence to prevent the use of the Starlink satellite internet system on Russian attack UAVs.
Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on technology-related matters
Details: Beskrestnov did not specify the exact measures taken but noted that they are temporary and will later be replaced by a global solution.
Quote: "Many users of the Starlink satellite system in Ukraine are already seeing the first countermeasures that SpaceX implemented at the request of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
I cannot publicly disclose everything that has been done, is being done, and will be done, but all these actions have one goal: to protect the residents of our country (both military and civilians) and our infrastructure from the threat posed by enemy attack UAVs.
I want to emphasise that the current measures are temporary (or, I will say, emergency) and will be replaced by a global, well-considered solution, which will take time."
Details: Beskrestnov also noted that "it is long overdue to collect information nationwide on SpaceX service users in the army". He said that previous attempts had been made, but many soldiers using volunteer and personal Starlink systems were unwilling to provide information to the command.
"We will certainly find a way to collect information on the army so that soldiers trust us with this information," Beskrestnov added.
The adviser also said that SpaceX is involved in the process and is assisting Ministry of Defence experts.
"I apologise again to those temporarily affected by the measures, but these are very important and necessary actions for the country's security," he concluded.
Background:
- On 25 January, Beskrestnov reported the probable use of Starlink by Russians on Shahed attack UAVs.
- On 30 January, Musk responded to a request from Fedorov for help in addressing the problem of Russian attack drones using Starlink satellite internet.
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