Pentagon partners with SpaceX to block Russian access to Starlink
According to Bloomberg, the Pentagon reported that it prevented the Russian military from unauthorized using Starlink internet terminals operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX in Ukraine.
Bloomberg cites John Plumb, head of the United States Department of Defense space policy department, who stated that the United States "has been heavily involved in working with the government of Ukraine and SpaceX to counter Russian illicit use of Starlink terminals".
Access to Starlink for Russians blocked
Plumb said that so far, they had effectively opposed the Russian use, but he was certain that Russia would continue to seek ways to exploit Starlink and other commercial communication systems.
A Pentagon official did not specify what tactics, methods, and procedures are employed to end Russia's access to Starlink terminals. However, he assured us that these are "effective solutions" developed by Starlink and Ukraine.
In February, the Ukrainian military highlighted that the Russians began using Starlink terminals at their positions. This was later confirmed by Ukrainian military intelligence, which reported that Moscow acquired terminals in Arab countries.
Consequently, Democrats in the US House of Representatives initiated an investigation into SpaceX.
In September 2023, the US Senate Armed Services Committee commenced an examination of national security issues prompted by Elon Musk's decision to block his private satellite network, Starlink, near Crimea.
