Here’s How Elon Musk Changes The Game For Ukraine In Russia’s War And Helps Them To Dominate The Skies
Soon after Russian President Vladimir Putin started the war and Ukraine publicly pleaded for help, Musk’s SpaceX enabled its Starlink satellite broadband service in Ukraine and began shipping additional dishes.
The billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, Elon Musk, has given Ukraine an advantage in its war with Russia that is paying dividends.
Elon Musk’s satellite system Starlink could be helping Ukrainian forces win the drone war amid Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian forces are using surveillance attack drones called Aerorozvidka (Aerial Reconnaissance) to target Russian drones and target the tanks and track down their positions since February 24.
Drones used in the field are able to use the newly available Starlink to keep connected and provide intelligence as internet and power outages plague Ukraine.
Ukraine forces use direct drones to drop anti-tank munitions, sometimes flying up silently to Russian forces at night as they sleep in their vehicles.
Ukraine has already received thousands of antennas from Musk’s companies and European allies, which has proved “very effective.”
The Ukrainians are also enlisting the help of PD-1 unmanned aerial vehicles fitted with infrared sensors. With a wingspan of 10ft, the vehicles are being used to collect vital information on the movements of Russian troops.
The Ukrainian drone unit uses a ‘Delta’ system, which has been perfected in recent years with the help of Western advisers.
It can be accessed by basic laptops and has ‘situational awareness’ software installed which creates an interactive map using images from drones, satellites, human intelligence, and sensors to build a physical picture to help in tracking the enemy.
The system, which is said to be on par with similar NATO technology, is believed to have been tested in the Sea Breeze military exercise held in the Black Sea in 2021, which involved the USA, Ukraine, and 30 other countries.
Musk provided the Starlink equipment after a request from Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s vice-prime minister, who thanked him for his assistance.
“Starlink — here,” Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov said in a tweet with an attached picture of the Internet communications equipment. “Thanks, @elonmusk.”
“You are most welcome,” the billionaire responded.
Starlink — here. Thanks, @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/dZbaYqWYCf
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 28, 2022
The use of Starlink as a stopgap measure for citizens and the government to stay connected during an invasion is a major test of the relatively new technology, experts say, and could have widespread implications for the future of war.
The Internet has become an essential tool for communication, staying informed, and even powering weapons.
The dishes Musk has provided to Ukraine and to Tonga following its January tsunami have cast a spotlight on low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, a new generation of spacecraft that can circle the globe in just 90 minutes and connect users to the internet. They’re small and inexpensive: A Starlink satellite weighs 260 kilograms (573 pounds) and costs from $250,000 to $500,000, while an Inmarsat Group Holdings Ltd. geostationary satellite can clock in at 4 metric tons and sell for $130 million.
Alex D is a conservative journalist, who covers all issues of importance for conservatives. He writes for Conservative US, Red State Nation, Defiant America, and Supreme Insider. He brings attention and insight from what happens in the White House to the streets of American towns, because it all has an impact on our future, and the country left for our children. Exposing the truth is his ultimate goal, mixed with wit where it’s appropriate, and feels that journalism shouldn’t be censored. Join him & let’s spread the good word!
