Russian 'Shahed' Drone Found in Ukraine with Starlink Terminal Six Months Ago.

Starlink Terminal Discovered on Russian Attack Drone in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Ukrainian military forces discovered a Russian 'Shahed' attack drone equipped with a Starlink satellite terminal approximately six months ago. Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, confirmed the finding. These drones, which Russian forces also refer to as 'Geran-1' and 'Geran-2,' can be controlled through various channels, including SIM cards, modems, and the Starlink system. This discovery highlights the ongoing technological adaptation in the conflict.

Capabilities and Types of Shahed Drones

According to Ihnat, there are two main types of Shahed drones: the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136, which are of Iranian origin. These modified drones can penetrate deep into Ukrainian territory, reaching the capital and western regions, and are difficult to intercept with electronic warfare systems due to additional protective measures.

Elon Musk previously stated that measures taken to halt Russia's use of Starlink have proven effective.

Simultaneously, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense is working with SpaceX to address the issue of Starlink terminals being used on Russian drones. In response, Ukraine plans to implement mandatory inspections of Starlink satellite terminals to prevent their use for aggressive purposes. Starlink, a satellite internet service, was crucial for Ukraine's communications early in the war.

The discovery of the Starlink-equipped Shahed drone underscores the critical need to control dual-use technologies that can be exploited for military aims. The collaboration between Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and SpaceX demonstrates active efforts by Ukrainian authorities to prevent foreign technology from being used in the conflict, which could have serious implications for national security.

• Introducing mandatory checks for Starlink terminals could be a significant step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.
• Protecting against new threats from the aggressor remains a priority for Ukrainian authorities.