Ukraine Says Starshield Drone Speeds Rebound Near 250 mph After 10 Days of Throttling
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 24
Ukraine Says Starshield Drone Speeds Rebound Near 250 mph After 10 Days of Throttling
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 24
Summary
Ukrainian drones on the Pentagon-funded Starshield network reached nearly 250 mph again, the first sign last week’s restrictions may be easing.
Operators had seen speeds drop below 40 mph about 10 days ago, with some drones losing contact and falling, disrupting frontline drone missions, logistics and communications.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara credited direct talks and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s pressure for the improvement, though Kyiv still does not know who ordered the slowdown.
The throttling widened strains with Washington, and a bipartisan Senate group warned the White House it would block Trump nominees unless Starshield’s full capabilities are restored.