Ukrainian defense forces reported that they successfully shot down a Russian Shahed-136 UAV, which alarmingly was equipped with a Starlink dish. This latest development has heightened concerns in Ukraine regarding the potential for Starlink technology to be utilized in conjunction with Russian UAVs, especially as a reconnaissance asset.
The Pentagon noted that while SpaceX does not sell Starlink equipment directly to Russia, Russian forces have managed to acquire the technology via other means, including the black market, thus circumventing U.S. sanctions.
Pentagon officials are working closely with SpaceX to identify and disconnect Starlink terminals acquired by Russia, ensuring that this technology does not enhance Russian military capabilities to exploit real-time intelligence.
'Not only has SpaceX been very cooperative with the entire United States government and the government of Ukraine, they've been forward leaning in identifying and providing information to us,' said John Hill, underscoring the collaboration between SpaceX and the Pentagon in addressing these security concerns.
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