Ukraine has reported that SpaceX imposed an overnight speed restriction on Starshield, the military version of Starlink, disrupting drone missions including interceptor operations against Russia’s jet-powered Shahed-derived Geran aircraft. The reported limit of 100 mph (160 km/h) took effect without advance notice, while frontline units recorded brief connectivity losses at lower speeds in the Huliaipole area of Zaporizhzhia.
Ukrainian defence technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov said the restriction had disrupted several missions. The 7th Rapid Reaction Corps reported Starlink interruptions lasting 10–20 seconds at speeds of 110–120 km/h; aircraft sometimes continued flying, but operators struggled to maintain control and one unmanned-systems unit cancelled missions.
Separate reports from volunteer Serhii Sternenko indicated connection losses at 60–70 km/h, suggesting that the operational threshold may vary between terminals or have been tightened. SpaceX had not publicly explained the change or commented on the claims.
The restriction creates a difficult choice for interceptor operators. Slowing aircraft may preserve the satellite link but expose them longer to Russian air defences, while higher speeds risk losing control or telemetry. Ukraine is developing faster interceptors because jet-powered Geran variants reportedly fly at about 300–400 km/h, with some Ukrainian designs exceeding 600 km/h.