The SpaceX Starlink satellite system is being credited with giving Ukrainian forces the upper hand in drone warfare as the country attempts to defend against the Russian invasion.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sent Starlink internet stations to Ukraine after Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Federov tweeted at Elon Musk on Feb. 26, asking for assistance with restoring the country’s internet.
Ukrainian forces are using Aerorozvidka (aerial reconnaissance) to direct drones and target Russian troops, according to the Telegraph.
Amid power outages and internet failures, the drone technology is connecting to the Starlink system, allowing Ukrainian troops to locate Russian targets, even in very rural areas. Ukrainian forces have reportedly dropped anti-tank munitions on targets using the drones, occasionally approaching Russian troops in silence as they sleep in their vehicles.
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The reported success further supports Musk’s follow-through on his promise to support Ukraine with Starlink satellite internet.
Ukrainian troops are using PD-1 unmanned aerial vehicles containing infrared sensors to gather intelligence on the movements of Russian forces, according to the Daily Mail. The drone unit collects images, and Ukrainian troops are then able to create interactive maps.
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The system is said to be similar to NATO technology. Western countries have also provided radio communications to Ukraine — a technological tool on which the United States has spent millions of dollars to keep Russian hackers at bay.
