Beskrestnov says Starshield speed limit affects helicopter data links

A Starshield operating limit above a travel speed of 160 km/h has affected data transmission to Ukrainian combat helicopters, said Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Volodymyr Zelenskyy on defence technology.

He said helicopters use the link when intercepting drones and that the restriction remained in place. Beskrestnov linked the problem to flight speeds exceeding the threshold imposed on satellite terminals.

He had previously reported disruptions that complicated Ukrainian military operations and logistics. Elon Musk said the restrictions concerned Starshield, a system controlled by the US government.

On October 19, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had not stopped providing intelligence to Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also disputed Zelenskyy’s statements about interruptions in intelligence sharing and US government decisions.