Starshield again limits Ukrainian drones to 161 km/h
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
The Starshield network is again imposing a connectivity limit of around 161 km/h on fast Ukrainian platforms, disrupting interceptor drones targeting Russian aircraft. Ukraine is seeking explanations from the United States after the restriction reappeared, according to Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian authorities.
The Starshield satellite network is again imposing a limit of around 161 km/h on terminals installed on fast-moving Ukrainian platforms, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who says Ukrainian units have recorded connectivity losses for several days across the entire front. The restriction notably prevents some interceptor drones from accelerating enough to pursue Russian jet-powered drones, reports the Zambian Observer.
The Ukrainian military reportedly tested the problem and concluded that it was a systematic speed-related limit rather than isolated outages. When interceptors exceed around 161 km/h, they can lose their satellite connection before reaching their target, which, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, has already allowed Russian drones to strike Ukrainian targets.
A similar restriction appeared in October before being removed following direct negotiations. Ukraine’s Defence Ministry subsequently confirmed a stable Starlink and Starshield connection beyond 400 km/h. The 161 km/h limit would therefore have returned less than three weeks later, while Ukraine is seeking explanations from the United States.
The return of the restriction comes after Volodymyr Zelensky said on 12 November that the Starshield network is disrupting the Ukrainian front. A first 160 km/h restriction was reported on 19 October, when Starlink restricted the connection of Ukrainian drones.
