The Pentagon will buy Starlink terminals for the Ukrainian military from SpaceX

The Pentagon will buy Starlink satellite communication terminals and services from Elon Musk’s SpaceX for use by the Ukrainian military. This is reported by Bloomberg citing the US Department of Defense.

“We continue to work with a range of global partners to ensure Ukraine has the resilient satellite and communication capabilities they need,” the Pentagon said in a statement Thursday. “Satellite communications constitute a vital layer in Ukraine’s overall communications network and the department contracts with Starlink for services of this type.”

The terminals are likely to be purchased as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

“However, for operational security reasons and due to the critical nature of these systems, we do not have additional information regarding specific capabilities, contracts, or partners to provide at this time,” it said.

The announcement was the latest twist in the Pentagon’s fractious relationship with Musk over the terminals. For example, last October, the billionaire told the Pentagon that SpaceX would not continue to pay the bills for the portable terminals. Later, he changed his position.

As you know, Starlink satellite internet started working in our country last year. It played an important role in the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, when the Russian military focused on destroying communications. Starlink antennas allowed Ukrainian troops to maintain communication.