Musk’s Starlink satellites accelerating development of drone warfare
The use of Starlink satellites by Ukrainian forces in defense against the Russian invasion is accelerating the development of drone warfare. Ukrainian forces have used access to Starlink to link uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) teams with artillery teams to generate target acquisitions and planned on using Starlink equipment to create fleets of interoperable drones, among other uses.
Despite owner Elon Musk’s remarks on the matter, the defense industry is experimenting with Starlink. Canadian-based robotics company RDARS ‘successfully integrated Starlink equipment to its Eagle Nest ground station’ and communicated data to the firm’s military drone in-flight. Questions about the legitimacy and uses of Starlink’s satellites are rapidly becoming more pertinent as drone warfare develops.