On October 14, 2026, it became known that restrictions imposed on the Starlink system are significantly complicating the execution of combat missions by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). In particular, this affects the use of Middle Strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become virtually impossible to launch due to issues with data transmission speeds.
Impact on AFU Combat Missions
According to the 7th Corps of the Air Assault Forces, Starlink restrictions have led to the cancellation of some combat missions. This occurred because the Starlink system, including its military version Starshield, has experienced reduced data transmission speeds, complicating UAV control.
Technical Issues with Drones
Military personnel report that at speeds of 110-120 km/h, communication with UAVs can be lost for 10-20 seconds. This is critical for high-speed strike drones like Middle Strike, which require rapid acceleration at launch. Key issues include:
- Loss of communication with drones during high-speed flights.
- Cancellation of combat missions due to the inability to launch drones.
- Slower drone speeds make them more vulnerable to Russian air defense systems.
Conclusions and Future Actions
The Starlink restrictions significantly impact the logistics and operational capabilities of the AFU. Military experts emphasize that without addressing these issues, Ukrainian forces may suffer significant losses in combat capabilities. Future actions to improve communication with drones and ensure their effective use remain critically important for successful operations on the front line.