StarLink used in Russian drones

[Owen Lucas]

I read about this a few days ago and thought some of you may find this interesting.

Russia obtained black market Star Link terminals and to outfit their drones which gave them longer distance capabilities.

Ukrainian forces had to whitelist their terminals to avoid getting them shut down. Russians obviously couldn't whitelist them so now they have lost an important capability:

• Claims of up to 90% loss of internet comms in affected units.
  • Casualty rates increased due to loss of internet.
  • Friendly fire incidents due to lack of communication.
  • Disrupted drone operations
    • Reduced range, accuracy, and tempo.

I'm surprised this wasn't SOP as soon as the terminals were distributed.

https://nypost.com/2026/02/16/world...an-attacks-on-ukraine-as-casualty-rates-soar/

 

[JeffKeryk]

My paternal grandparents left Ukraine just before the Bolshevik Revolution.

 

[Sam_Julier]

No politics please or the thread will be locked. Thanks.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I've been trying to justify one of these for years. The cell carriers have been expanding rapidly lately kinda negating that need.
I don't go camping in the Adirondacks enough any more to make it worthwhile.

 

[cptbarkey]

Funny how a simple solution like registering known good units ended up solving the issue.

Going on 8 months or so at the family ranch. WiFi extends outside a few hundred feet with the base unit in the window. Only had a few outages. Basically no other options, but checking periodically for competitive service.