Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, confirmed Saturday he turned on Starlink for Iranians after the Islamic regime limited its online services. My Opinion: It also means that Israeli smart drones will (continue to) use Starlink(or its military, more secure version) as their communication networks and command and control hubs, just like in Ukraine. Which confirms that Israel and Ukraine are now allies, at least operationally. It also means that Elon Musk is able to control wars, and in principle, singlehandedly: he simply turns the switch on or off.
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, confirmed Saturday he turned on Starlink for Iranians after the Islamic regime limited its online services. My Opinion: It also means that Israeli smart drones will (continue to) use Starlink(or its military, more secure version) as their communication networks and command and control hubs, just like in Ukraine.
Which confirms that Israel and Ukraine are now allies, at least operationally.
It also means that Elon Musk is able to control wars, and in principle, singlehandedly: he simply turns the switch on or off.
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, has played a significant role in providing communication networks in conflict zones like Ukraine, with its military-grade version, Starshield, enhancing secure communications. Below is an overview of its use in Ukraine and Iran, focusing on communication networks and command-and-control capabilities, based on available information.
Ukraine
Starlink has been a critical asset for Ukraine’s military and government since Russia’s invasion in 2022, providing reliable, high-speed internet access for battlefield communications and command-and-control operations:
- Civilian and Military Use: Starlink terminals have been widely deployed across Ukraine, enabling secure and stable communications for both civilian and military purposes. Tens of thousands of Starlink dishes form the backbone of Ukraine’s military network, supporting real-time coordination, intelligence sharing, and drone operations.
- Starshield Deployment: In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense facilitated Ukraine’s access to Starshield, a militarized version of Starlink designed for secure communications. Starshield employs advanced encryption protocols, including quantum-resistant algorithms, to protect sensitive military data. This upgrade enhances Ukraine’s ability to maintain command-and-control hubs under electronic warfare conditions.
- Strategic Importance: Starlink’s satellite-based system is immune to long-range attacks that disrupt terrestrial infrastructure, making it vital for Ukraine’s military operations. It supports everything from battlefield communications to controlling drone fleets, which are critical for reconnaissance and strikes. However, Ukraine’s heavy reliance on Starlink has raised concerns about dependency on a private company and potential vulnerabilities if access were restricted.
- Challenges and Russian Interference: Russian forces have targeted Starlink’s capabilities through electronic warfare, including the repurposed Tobol system to jam satellite communications. Reports also indicate Russian troops have gained access to Starlink terminals, possibly through illicit means, complicating Ukraine’s exclusive use. Additionally, Ukraine experienced outages in 2023, highlighting vulnerabilities in relying on a single system.
- Alternatives: Ukraine’s Defense Minister stated in February 2025 that alternatives to Starlink exist, though they are less effective. European efforts, such as those by Eutelsat, aim to reduce dependency on Starlink by providing backup satellite communication systems.
- Controversies: Starlink’s role has sparked debates about its dual-use nature (civilian and military) and Elon Musk’s influence. Moscow has accused Starlink of enhancing Ukraine’s targeting capabilities, while some worry about Musk’s potential to limit access, though no such action has been confirmed.
Iran
Starlink’s use in Iran is far more limited due to U.S. sanctions and government restrictions, with no confirmed military or command-and-control applications:
- Civilian Activation: In September 2022, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX would seek an exemption from U.S. sanctions to activate Starlink in Iran, primarily to support civilian internet access amid government-imposed blackouts during protests. There is no evidence that Starlink has been deployed for military purposes in Iran.
- Challenges: Even if Starlink kits are present in Iran, activation requires government approval to access the necessary infrastructure, which is unlikely given Iran’s strict control over communications. Posts on X suggest that while kits may be on the ground, they cannot function without official permission.
- Russian Drones and Starlink: Reports indicate that Russian forces have integrated Starlink terminals into Iranian-designed Shahed drones used in Ukraine, suggesting illicit acquisition rather than direct Iranian military use of Starlink. This raises concerns about the proliferation of Starlink technology in conflict zones but does not imply Iran’s military is using Starlink for command-and-control purposes.
- No Starshield Deployment: There is no evidence that Starshield, the secure military version, has been deployed in Iran or made available to Iranian forces or proxies. Iran’s government relies on its own communication systems, and U.S. sanctions would prevent SpaceX from providing such services without explicit exemptions.
Key Differences
- Ukraine: Starlink and Starshield are extensively used for secure military communications and command-and-control, supported by U.S. contracts and SpaceX’s cooperation. The system’s resilience against jamming and its global coverage make it a cornerstone of Ukraine’s war effort.
- Iran: Starlink’s presence is speculative and limited to potential civilian use, with no confirmed military applications. U.S. sanctions and Iran’s restrictive policies prevent widespread adoption, and any use of Starlink in Iranian-designed drones occurs outside Iran’s direct control.
Broader Context
- Starshield’s Capabilities: Starshield is tailored for military use, offering enhanced encryption and low Earth orbit satellite connectivity for secure, jam-resistant communications. It is designed for government and military clients, as seen in its U.S. Army testing and deployment in Ukraine.
- Geopolitical Implications: Starlink’s role in Ukraine highlights the growing influence of private companies in modern warfare, raising questions about dependency and control. In Iran, geopolitical constraints limit its impact, but illicit use in Russian drones underscores challenges in controlling satellite technology.
Conclusion
In Ukraine, Starlink and Starshield are integral to military communications and command-and-control, providing secure, reliable connectivity despite Russian interference. In Iran, Starlink’s role is minimal, constrained by sanctions and government policies, with no evidence of military use. The contrast reflects differing geopolitical realities and the strategic deployment of SpaceX’s technology in conflict zones.
If you need more details or specific aspects (e.g., technical specifications, policy implications), let me know!
-My Opinionhttps://t.co/0o4gYh8HcW
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) June 14, 2025
It also means that Israeli smart drones will (continue to) use Starlink(or its military, more secure version) as their communication networks and command and control hubs, just like in Ukraine.
Which confirms that Israel and Ukraine are now… https://t.co/oFX1pzeA2a pic.twitter.com/tiCkNs4BpM
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