The Pentagon said on Thursday that Elon Musk's SpaceX subsidiary Starlink, a satellite communications provider, has been awarded a deal by the US government for providing satellite services to Ukraine.
The US Department of Defense issued a statement about its continuous efforts to help Ukraine by ensuring its reliable satellite and communication capabilities.
It emphasized the importance of satellite communications, which "constituted a vital layer" to Ukraine's communication infrastructure, and reaffirmed its agreement with Starlink to provide such services, according to Newsmax.
Ukrainian soldiers have already used Starlink for various functions, including communications on the battlefield.
Through private contributions and a separate agreement with a US foreign assistance organization, SpaceX has provided Starlink internet access to Ukraine and its troops since the start of the conflict in 2022.
The Pentagon is buying Starlink satellite communications terminals and services from SpaceX for use by the Ukraine military, the Defense Department said. Pentagon won’t disclose contract value or terminal quantities. - Bloomberg https://t.co/ywbghSiOdu pic.twitter.com/pgQeyRwZS0
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Starlink Continues To Expand Services
The Starlink network has thwarted Russian efforts to disrupt and limit internet services in Ukraine. With nearly 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, SpaceX improved the Starlink service's software to counter the attacks.
The Pentagon withheld further information about the Starlink contract's particular terms due to operational security concerns and the crucial importance of these systems, according to a Reuters report.
With its extensive satellite network, Starlink has over 1.5 million clients and covers more than 50 countries. By frequently launching new satellites, SpaceX continues to build up the Starlink network to reach as many as 7,500 satellites in orbit, per CNBC.
SpaceX has expanded the services offered by Starlink in recent years to include users in the residential, commercial, RV, marine, and aviation sectors.
Gwynne Shotwell, president, and CEO of SpaceX, said the company is delighted to have helped bring the internet to Ukraine and bolster the Ukrainians in their battle for independence.
She underlined, however, that Starlink was never meant to be weaponized and that the service's main goal was to improve communication capabilities.
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