Ukrainian Drones Are 'Using Elon Musk's Starlink' To Take Out Russian Tanks
Elon Musk's Starlink devices are reportedly helping Ukrainian forces fight back against the Russian invasion.
An Aerorozvidka air specialist revealed to The Times of London that the Ukrainian military has been connecting to Musk's satellite network to allow their technology to lock onto enemy targets.
“If we use a drone with thermal vision at night, the drone must connect through Starlink to the artillery guy and create target acquisition," he said.
He added the drones are modified with thermal cameras to identify Russian tanks at night, and the drones are equipped with anti-tank grenades.
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The Starlink satellites have been providing Ukraine with internet access, as the country is experiencing widespread power outages amid the invasion.
Since Musk sent over satellites, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed at an undisclosed location that the Starlink connection is 'excellent'.
“We are using thousands, in the area of thousands, of terminals with new shipments arriving every other day," he said.
Fedorov pleaded for the SpaceX CEO to help keep the cities ‘connected' by providing Starlink satellites.
@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.
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 26, 2022
Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022
To which Musk responded: “Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.”
But Musk warned earlier this month that the Starlink terminals could be targeted as the invasion heightens.
He wrote: “Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution.”
Musk has openly feuded with many Russian politicians and the Kremlin on social media since the invasion into Ukraine began.
The tech billionaire shared a photo on Twitter of him sumo wrestling challenging Russian President Vladimir Putin to a fight.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 21, 2022
Earlier this month, Musk also offered to fight the Russian leader with just one hand.
He wrote: “Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage.
“If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed.”
While Putin is yet to take up Musk on his offer, it’s safe to say that more satellites will be sent over as Russian troops continue to advance further into Ukraine.
Charisa Bossinakis