SpaceX and Pentagon expand Ukraine’s access to secure Starshield network, Bloomberg reports

The agreement grants Starshield access to 2,500 Starlink terminals already operational in Ukraine. Previously, only 500 terminals were linked to this advanced network. Sources cited by Bloomberg confirm that a total of 3,000 terminals now operate under two separate contracts aimed at ensuring internet connectivity in the country, with services guaranteed until 2025.

Reports suggest the contract was likely finalised in August, before the US political landscape shifted with Donald Trump’s presidential victory. Analysts speculate that President Joe Biden, at the time, sought to bolster Ukraine’s position with increased military aid, anticipating potential pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate with Russia.

The financial details of the latest agreement remain undisclosed. However, a prior contract involving 500 terminals through the US European Command was valued at approximately $40 million. This underscores the strategic and financial importance of secure communication systems in the conflict.

Starlink is a high-speed broadband satellite system extensively used by Ukrainian forces, particularly in front-line regions where traditional communication networks are unreliable or disrupted. Since the start of the full-scale war, Starlink has been vital in maintaining operational connectivity for Ukraine’s military.

Poland has played a significant role in supplying these systems. By August 2022, the country had delivered 5,000 Starlink units to Ukraine. An additional 5,000 terminals followed later in the year, designated for use in conflict-heavy zones near the front lines.