Kofman says a U.S.-approved Starshield throttle is hampering Ukrainian drones
Overview
Michael Kofman says a U.S.-approved throttle on Starshield, the government-managed subscription on SpaceX's Starlink constellation, has cut the connectivity of Ukrainian long-range strike drones and jet-powered interceptors.
He made the claim in a ChinaTalk WarTalk interview published November 2, 2026.
Kofman also argues that Washington's aims for the throttle are unclear and that U.S. leverage over the system remains substantial. He ties the issue to broader lessons on buying drones, including the need for drone platoons and force design choices. The discussion also touches on deception, decoys, and wet-gap crossings.
Written by AI from the articles below · updated Nov 2, 1:03 PM ET
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The articles in this story. Times are ET.
- ChinaTalkBlogWarTalk: Michael Kofman on Starshield throttling and lessons from Ukraine's drone war
AIMichael Kofman explains that a U.S.-approved throttle on Starshield, the government-managed subscription on SpaceX's Starlink constellation, cut Ukrainian forces' long-range strike drones and jet-powered interceptors. He argues Washington's aims are unclear, that U.S. leverage remains substantial, and that buying drones requires drone platoons and force design choices. The discussion also covers deception, decoys, and wet-gap crossings.
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