Yuriy Ignat: Starlink and Starshield help Ukrainian air defence destroy enemy drones

The key role of satellite communications in the air defence system

The stable operation of the Starlink and Starshield satellite networks is of great importance for the effective functioning of Ukraine’s air defence. This was stated by Yuriy Ignat, head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on the "My-Ukraine" TV channel.

According to the officer, these technologies are used by various units of the Defence Forces. In particular, they provide communication support for helicopter crews and operators of modern interceptor drones.

Use of SpaceX technologies since the start of the full-scale invasion

Ignat emphasised that Ukrainian military personnel have been using the Starlink system, developed by the American company SpaceX, since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. This communication channel has become one of the important means of ensuring communications, alongside radio stations and wired lines.

The Air Force representative underlined that satellite communications are actively used not only by the Air Force but also by other structures of Ukraine’s Security and Defence Forces.

«Це звичайні гелікоптери, які збивають, ті ж самі "Шахеди", також і дрони-перехоплювачі реактивні, які в нас, власне, зараз впроваджуються як інноваційний засіб, таким чином теж застосовують Starlink для перехоплення ворожих реактивних БпЛА» (These are ordinary helicopters that shoot down, the same "Shaheds", as well as jet interceptor drones, which are, in fact, currently being implemented as an innovative tool, and Starlink is also used in this way to intercept enemy jet UAVs), — noted Ignat.

Stability challenges in frontline zones

Separately, Ignat drew attention to existing difficulties with the stability of satellite systems. This problem is most acute in areas near temporarily occupied territories.

It is from these territories that Russian troops carry out mass attacks using drones of various modifications. This refers not only to Shahed and "Gerber" drones, but also to tactical drones, in particular the "Molnia" model.

«Є певна проблематика, особливо це стосується окупованих територій, зараз швидкість близько 160 км/год» (There is a certain problem, especially regarding occupied territories, the current speed is about 160 km/h), — noted Ignat.

Prospects for increasing the effectiveness of defence

The officer emphasised that ensuring the uninterrupted operation of Starlink and Starshield will allow increasing the effectiveness of Ukrainian defenders’ actions in countering air threats.