Russian forces are reportedly relying on illicitly obtained Starlink terminals to improve combat coordination and the effectiveness of their tactical reconnaissance strike complex (TRSC) in Ukraine as part of an overarching effort to reach technological parity with Ukrainian forces.
Ps: adjusted official title to cover content
Reminder: it is in SpaceX’s interest to try to prevent either belligerent from using Starlink for military purposes. Among other reasons, SpaceX does not want tighter ITAR or EAR export restrictions that come with being a munition or dual-use technology.
I find it unlikely that they couldn’t track and disable units if they are used outside of a permitted region. They can also compare locations to license / point of sales, e.g. if a unit sold in China gets activated in East Ukraine
The Pentagon is directly working with SpaceX on this. Awhile ago they said they had a handle on it but that it was going to be an ongoing problem as Russian evades their measures.
This was in May, and they’ve obviously figured another way around.
“At this time we have successfully countered Russian use, but I am certain Russia will continue to try and find ways to exploit Starlink and other commercial communications systems,” Plumb said. "It will continue to be a problem, I think we’ve wrapped our heads around it and found good solutions with both Starlink and Ukraine.”
SpaceX is a US contractor and benefits from all that entails. US is supporting Ukraine and Ukraine uses Starlink within Ukraine, for military purposes or otherwise.