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Ukraine’s Shahed-Hunting Helicopters Blinded by US Starshield Speed Limits
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Restrictions on SpaceX’s Starshield satellite communications service are disrupting a key information channel used by Ukrainian combat helicopters to intercept Russian Shahed attack drones, as a 160 km/h (99 mph) speed limit remains in effect.
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According to Ukrainian radio technology specialist and presidential defense technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known as “Flash,” the restrictions affect both high-speed interceptor drones and helicopters involved in Ukraine’s air defense operations.
🇺🇦🚁 The crew of the Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter shoots down a Russian kamikaze drone "Shahed-136" in the sky over Ukraine with fire from an onboard cannon. pic.twitter.com/C6RXkH2tQD
— MAKS 26 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) June 5, 2025
Beskrestnov explained that Ukrainian helicopters regularly operate above the imposed speed threshold, causing disruptions to an important communications channel used during missions against Russian drones.
He noted that helicopters are responsible for intercepting a significant proportion of conventional Shahed drones, making reliable data transmission essential to their operations.
The restrictions also affect Ukraine’s jet-powered interceptor drones, limiting their ability to engage faster Russian jet-powered Shahed variants.
The Starshield speed limitation was introduced overnight on October 14, when SpaceX restricted satellite connectivity for terminals operating aboard moving military platforms.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry subsequently confirmed that the changes had affected communications on certain aircraft, with connectivity reportedly dropping at speeds ranging from approximately 72 to 161 km/h (45–100 mph).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Starlink-equipped military systems continued experiencing connectivity problems at speeds of approximately 130–161 km/h.
Ukraine has requested that SpaceX and the US government remove the restrictions, while its Defense Ministry continues discussions with partners to restore stable satellite communications for military operations.
The circumstances surrounding the restrictions remain disputed. SpaceX owner Elon Musk has stated that Starshield is controlled by the US government, while the White House previously attributed the disruptions to a technical malfunction. US President Donald Trump also denied involvement in imposing the restrictions on October 16.
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-65758021c165ae94f84d79df9242da4b.jpeg "Fire at Russia’s Nikolskoye oil pumping station following a reported Ukrainian drone strike on October 20, 2026. (Source: Exilenova+)")
