Musk’s Starlink Awarded Pentagon Contract To Support Ukrainian Satellite Comms

SpaceX's Starlink, the satellite communications service led by billionaire Elon Musk, has secured a significant contract with the US Department of Defense to provide satellite services for Ukraine. This partnership aims to bolster Ukraine's communication capabilities, particularly in the midst of the ongoing conflict in the region.

The Pentagon stated on Thursday that it continues to collaborate with various global partners to ensure Ukraine's access to resilient satellite and communication systems. The department has chosen to contract with Starlink, acknowledging the crucial role satellite communications play in Ukraine's overall network infrastructure, including battlefield communications utilized by Ukrainian troops.

Since the commencement of the war in 2022, SpaceX has been supporting Ukrainians and the country's military with Starlink internet service. Starlink operates a rapidly expanding network consisting of over 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. This service has been instrumental in providing reliable connectivity to aid various Ukrainian military operations.

The Pentagon contract comes as a significant boost for SpaceX. In October, Elon Musk had expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of funding Starlink in Ukraine indefinitely, citing costs of USD 20 million per month. It is worth noting that Russia has attempted to disrupt internet services in Ukraine, including targeting Starlink. However, SpaceX has effectively countered these attacks by fortifying the service's software.

The specific terms of the contract remain undisclosed, with the Pentagon citing operational security reasons and the critical nature of these systems. Earlier reports by Bloomberg had highlighted the impending contract, highlighting its importance in ensuring Ukraine's communication infrastructure remains resilient.