Ukraine's forces get additional Starlink kits from Elon Musk for expanded internet service

Amid escalating Moscow-Kyiv war, X CEO Elon Musk last week delivered an additional batch of Starlink satellite kits to Ukraine's Armed Forces for extended internet cover. recent supply has brought total Starlink communication system deliveries to over 15,000 units since onset of war on February 24. In a slideshow video tweeted by billionaire entrepreneur on June 6, Musk for first time anunced a tentative number of broadband service units sent to Ukraine for upkeep of steady internet connectivity.

Halfway through video, Musk said: "Over 15,000 Starlinks (have been) delivered to Ukraine." video also showed an im of satellite systems in bulk. Although, it is t clear if photograph was taken before or after delivery to Ukraine.

Earlier in March, X's Chief Operations Officer Gwynne Shotwell gave a rough idea about number of satellite units supplied to Ukraine during a chat with CNBC. Without giving a specific number, she said about "thousands" of systems were delivered to Kyiv since February. NBC News later in April reported that X had donated around 10,000 terminals to Ukraine amidst war.

Urkraine Armed Forces thanks Musk for Starlink kits

On receiving truckloads of Starlink antennas, Ukraine Armed Forces on Saturday extended ir gratitude to Elon Musk, saying his satellite systems have helped Ukrainian intelligence services to render more accurate dams on Russian artillery units. "Multitasker @elonmusk mans t only to work on preparations for Mars mission but also to pass Starlinks to our intelligence so needed for ir special missions," Ukrainian Defence Ministry said in a Twitter post. "Ukrainian army defends freedom on Earth so that it can be established on Mars as well," y added as over thousands of terminals are actively involved in determining and destroying Russian targets.   

Starlink satellite techlogy assisting Ukrainian drone units

Earlier, it was reported that  Elon Musk's Starlink satellite techlogy is assisting an elite Ukrainian drone unit in destroying Russian weapons, according to Times of London. Aerorozvidka, which is a unit of Ukrainian Ground Forces specialising in aerial reconnaissance and drone warfare, uses drones equipped with infrared cameras to observe Russian military equipment such as tanks and command vessels at night. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had extended gratitude to Musk for Starlink systems that helped Ukraine "overcome Russian propaganda" by enabling steady access to internet service for Ukrainians living in blackout zones.

What is Starlink satellite?

Starlink terminals are designed to communicate with a satellite in low orbit around Earth. design works in such a way that receiver on ground does t need to have a fixed wireline connection. It is how company plans to provide broadband-level stable internet connection in rural areas that wired broadband service providers might t be able to reach. Musk's Starlink reportedly has over 5 lakh users across 32 countries.

(Im: AP/Shutterstock)