Ukraine Seeks Starlink for Drone Strikes as War Takes Heavy Toll
The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has seen several developments in recent days. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia received its first shipment of North Korean ballistic missiles, including the Hwasong-11C (KN-30), in July this year. The Financial Times reports that Ukraine is seeking permission from Elon Musk to use Starlink technology for drones capable of targeting Russian ballistic missile launchers.
Ukraine's 'air defense crisis' has been exacerbated by a shortage of anti-aircraft missiles, and the country's reliance on Western-made systems such as NASAMS, IRIS-T, and SAMP/T. However, Russia's use of cruise missiles this time flew straight ahead, without complex maneuvers or 'holding zones', making them easier to intercept.
The war has also taken a toll on Ukraine's economy, with grain exports through the ports of Odessa and surrounding regions being severely impacted by Russian attacks. The Ukrainian Prime Minister, Volodymyr Zelensky, has stated that the war is becoming increasingly expensive for Ukraine, and that finding means to address this challenge is crucial.