Russia has begun mounting Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite systems on attack drones, extending their Russia Starlink range into Ukrainian territory – and potentially NATO borders – pushing analysts and Ukrainian officials to believe this will change the nature of modern warfare.
Russia Starlink drones redefine air power. This has led to having Ukraine collect evidence of “hundreds” of attacks by Russian drones equipped with Russia Starlink, Beskrestnov said, noting strikes on civilian areas and energy facilities.
These systems allow drone Starlink satellite internet to guide drones in real-time from inside Russia, increasing both precision and lethality.
“The enemy is constantly improving its drones and attacking tactics to achieve its goals. Every day, a new risk emerges,” said Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. He added that Russia launched over 6,000 drones in the past month alone, emphasizing the speed at which Starlink for drones warfare evolves.
Smaller, inexpensive drones like the Molniya and Shahed-136, costing between $250 and $500, can now rival more expensive missile systems because Russia jamming Starlink is no longer effective and drone satellite internet extends flight ranges. Beskrestnov said a Starlink for drones-equipped BM-35 drone can fly up to 500 kilometers, potentially threatening all of Ukraine, Moldova, and parts of Poland, Romania, and Lithuania.
Civilian Impact and Global Implications
Russia using Starlink commercial communication technology in combat has raised ethical and legal questions. “(Attacks) not on military targets, but on peaceful rear and frontline cities. Including residential buildings. In fact, this is terrorism using modern peaceful communication technologies,” Beskrestnov said.
Ukraine has appealed to SpaceX to prevent Russia Starlink misuse, with Fedorov thanking Elon Musk and SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell for responding. Yet drone satellite communication remains critical to Ukraine’s own war effort, supporting military operations, government communications, hospitals, and schools.
Analysts warn this innovation signals a broader shift in Russia Starlink warfare.
Drones, previously support tools, now carry out long-range precision strikes, reconnaissance, and artillery targeting, reducing reliance on manned aircraft. Cheap, resilient, and networked drones using drone satellite internet are rewriting modern air power, raising both strategic and ethical challenges worldwide.
“This war has demonstrated a profound change; air superiority no longer requires expensive fighter planes or gallant pilots. Rather, cheap, small, and stubborn drones are rewriting the very definition of air power,” said military analyst observers.
The Ukraine conflict underscores that the age of the drone satellite internet is here, and nations must rethink both offense and defense as unmanned systems reshape battlefields globally.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.