Ukraine explores Israeli satellite technology for long-range drones
Kyiv is reportedly looking at HiSky terminals to maintain drone connectivity following disruptions to the Starlink network.
Ukraine is reportedly considering satellite communication technology from Israeli firm HiSky to maintain control of drones operating deep inside Russia, according to a Times of India report. The move follows repeated disruptions to Elon Musk's Starlink network, which have highlighted the risks of relying on a single provider.
The deployment was suggested after Russian military sources shared images of a crashed Ukrainian drone. The recovered equipment appeared to include a SmartLITE satellite communication terminal from HiSky, which was manufactured in the Caserta province of Italy, according to La Repubblica.
A report by Handelsblatt on November 13 stated that HiSky employees confirmed their six-kilogram terminals were being fitted onto Ukrainian drones. While HiSky's chief executive declined to comment on the deployment, Ukraine has not officially confirmed the use of the technology.
Unlike SpaceX, HiSky does not own a satellite constellation. Instead, its terminals link to networks managed by other third-party providers, allowing drones to connect through various commercial satellite services.
The search for alternatives comes after Ukrainian officials reported in October that Starlink and Starshield terminals failed on platforms travelling faster than 160 kmph. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted in November that Starshield disruptions had impacted military operations, including the interception of Russian jet-powered drones.
