OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
The billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Starlink, Elon Musk, has given Ukraine an advantage in its war with Russia that is paying dividends.
Aerorozvidka (Aerial Reconnaissance) has been used by Ukraine to attack Russian drones and target the tanks and track down their positions since February 24, The Daily Mail reported.
Drones used in the field are able to use the newly available Starlink to keep connected and provide intelligence as internet and power outages plague Ukraine.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence warned last week that Moscow is ‘probably’ targeting Ukraine’s communications infrastructure.
With the technology, the drones can be directed to drop anti-tank munitions to help ward off the Russian attack.
The Ukrainians are also enlisting the help of PD-1 unmanned aerial vehicles fitted with infrared sensors. With a wingspan of 10ft, the vehicles are being used to collect vital information on the movements of Russian troops.
The Ukrainian drone unit uses a ‘Delta’ system, which has been perfected in recent years with the help of Western advisers.
It can be accessed by basic laptops, and has a ‘situational awareness’ software installed which creates an interactive map using images from drones, satellites, human intelligence and sensors to build a physical picture to help in tracking the enemy.
It is said to be on par with what NATO uses and has been helped by Western nations. The United States is said to have spent millions of dollars to protect it from Russian hacking.
Musk provided the Starlink equipment after a request from Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s vice-prime minister, who thanked him for his assistance.
“Starlink — here,” Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov said in a tweet with an attached picture of the Internet communications equipment. “Thanks, @elonmusk.”
“You are most welcome,” the billionaire responded.
You are most welcome
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 28, 2022
Musk said that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service was made available in Ukraine and said that more terminals were on the way.
The tweet from Musk came in response to a tweet from a tweet from Fedorov that said,: @elonmusk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand.”
“Dear @elonmusk, Ukraine needs your support. Your stance and your actions matter. An appeal by our Minister of Digital Transformation here,” Ukraine said in its own tweet.
“Starlink service is now active in Ukraine,” Musk said. “More terminals en route.”
Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 26, 2022
“Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe. Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis,” a description from the company read. “Using advanced satellites in a low orbit, Starlink enables video calls, online gaming, streaming, and other high data rate activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet.”
“Starlink is ideally suited for areas where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable,” it said. “People across the globe are using Starlink to gain access to education, health services and even communications support during natural disasters.”
The Daily Wire highlighted some notable responses.
- Ukraine: “Thanx, appreciate it.”
- Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine: “Starlink terminals are coming to Ukraine! Thank you @elonmusk , thank you everyone, who supported Ukraine!”
- Robert C. O’Brien, former national security adviser: “I said in my remarks to @CPAC today that @elonmusk is one of the reasons America will ultimately prevail against #Russia and #China. Below is Exhibit A in support of my argument. #Ukraine #Freedom”
- Payton Alexander, attorney: “The people of Ukraine, an embattled war-torn country, will now receive high speed, low latency, broadband internet from space. Russia cannot touch it.”
- Klon Kitchen, AEI senior fellow: “Awesome. Also, a major example of how the national security burden is now shared with the private sector in fundamental and powerful ways. Well done @elonmusk (but we should talk about China).”
- Maye Musk, Elon Musk’s mother: “@elonmusk Wonderful! #ProudMom #StopTheWar #Ukraine.”
- Bel Trew, reporter: “Well this is quite something. One of the biggest fears among Ukrainians I’ve been speaking to is being completely cut off from the world while the worst attacks happens.”
- Brendan Carr, FCC Commissioner: “Great to see! America has a strategic interest in allied enterprises beaming Internet abroad—from Cuba to Afghanistan & now Ukraine. Bills introduced last year by @marcorubio @SenRickScott @RepMariaSalazar would ensure the U.S. backs those efforts. Let’s pass those bills ASAP.”
- Scott Adams, political commentator: “Pushes a button and changes the course of history.”
- Scott Gilmore, magazine editor: “SpaceX donating starlink terminals means it’s now impossible for Russia to shut down the internet. This keeps Pres Zelenskyy connected to Ukrainians and keeps Ukrainians connected to the world. It’s a monumental boon to their fight.”
- Mike Cernovich, political commentator: “Elon Musk is Iron Man. The West sees all conflict now as a 3 act comic book movie.”
