Ukraine says Starshield connectivity restored after drone disruptions

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry says connectivity for moving Starshield terminals has been restored after restrictions disrupted some drone operations, though the formal speed limit remains in place and the cause is unknown. A ministry source said Thursday that military units reported the satellite service was again operational while terminals were moving. On Wednesday, the ministry had reported improved connections at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, or about 100 miles per hour, while saying the limit itself remained. Ukrainian officials are in talks with SpaceX and its partners to determine what caused the restrictions, the source said. Ukraine’s 7th Air Assault Corps said units in the Huliaipole sector experienced communication problems overnight October 13-14. Military accounts described connection losses lasting 10 to 20 seconds, including at speeds below or near the stated threshold. Some drone missions were cancelled, and interruptions complicated control of aircraft and other operations, according to Ukrainian military statements. The overall operational impact has not been quantified.