Starshield

Ukrainian officials say access to Starlink for military operations has been restricted, prompting questions about the battlefield communications the service has provided since Russia's invasion. French satellite operator Eutelsat says it is ready to step in and replace Starlink to keep frontline communications running. Attention is also turning to Starshield, SpaceX's dedicated military version of the network.

Starshield, SpaceX's military-focused satellite communications programme built on Starlink technology, is being widely discussed in Sweden and France. The network provides secure satellite connectivity to government and defence customers, and interest appears tied to ongoing European debates about military satellite capabilities and reliance on US space infrastructure.

Elon Musk has claimed that Ukraine violated Starlink's terms of service, reviting debate over the use of his satellite network in the war. Attention is turning to Starshield, SpaceX's military-focused satellite business built for government and defence customers, as questions grow over how battlefield use of the company's technology is governed.