After the notable verbal exchange between the US's Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyj, Ukraine's use of Elon Musk's global satellite system Starlink has been re-actualized.
Recent media reports stated that Washington is threatening to cut off Ukraine's access to Starlink. Trump advisor Elon Musk dismissed the reports, but has since the verbal exchange between Trump and Zelenskyj expressed criticism of the Ukrainian president.
Other Solutions
How would it affect Ukraine and the country's defense capabilities if Starlink were not available?
Starlink is not the main alternative (for Ukraine) but a very convenient one. It is important to remember that the ordinary communication solutions, such as mobile networks, and military communication solutions usually work, in most parts of Ukraine, says Hans Liwång, professor of defense systems at the Defense University.
According to Liwång, it is primarily at the front line that Starlink affects the possibilities of communication. Voices wanting to see American pressure on Ukraine argue that it would be possible to shut down Starlink terminals connected to the fighting troops, but not civilian ones. However, it is easier said than done, according to Liwång.
We know that even Russia has Starlink terminals, but they are registered under others. Then it becomes a task to find out who actually has control over these terminals that are to be shut down.
Affecting Defense Capabilities
There are, for Ukraine's sake, alternatives to Musk-owned Starlink.
Viasat is a European alternative, which we in Sweden perhaps know best as satellite dish providers. They operate services within the communication area.
The alternatives that exist require more resources in terms of technology and competence. It would disrupt the Ukrainian defense forces' operations. But it would not completely stop them.
Puzzle Piece
Liwång describes Starlink as a part of a larger composition of parts and takes up military, civilian, technical, and social parts – including support from other countries – that together constitute Ukraine's defense capabilities.
It is very difficult to weigh all these parts against each other. But Starlink itself is not what makes the whole thing collapse. It is a puzzle piece in a trend that is currently slipping out of Ukraine's hands.
One of several global satellite networks, intended to offer telephone and data connections regardless of where you are.
The Starlink satellites began to be launched in 2019. By the end of 2023, the network consisted of over 5,000 small satellites. Starlink is a project within the American space company Space X, where billionaire Elon Musk is the largest owner.
The services are quite expensive, both in terms of the receiver you need to purchase and in subscription costs. But they are popular in rural areas and as an alternative where ground infrastructure is destroyed. Therefore, they have gained an important role in war zones, including Ukraine.
