Fire Point has announced that it has discovered methods to carry out military missions targeting Russian sites without relying on satellite communication, as stated by company representative Teresh. She emphasized that the systems developed by Fire Point prioritize navigation without requiring any external signals.
While specific technical details were not disclosed, Teresh indicated that full access for Ukrainian forces to SpaceX’s Starlink system over Russia would provide a significant advantage. Currently, Fire Point’s workaround addresses only 15-20% of the capabilities that could be achieved if Starlink were operational over Russian territory. This access could radically alter the effectiveness of Ukraine’s attacks, especially against critical targets like Russian ballistic missile launchers.
Teresh further expressed Ukraine’s desire for a predictable alliance with the United States, ensuring that the rules surrounding its defense capabilities are clear and not subject to frequent changes based on fluctuating sentiments.
Prior to this, Fire Point’s chief designer and co-owner, Denis Shteiderman, stated that Ukraine aims to learn how to operate independently of Starlink in the upcoming year.
Context
- Ukraine has long sought permission from the U.S. to use Starlink satellite communication for strikes on Russian territory but has not received it.
- Moreover, on October 14th, Starlink terminals used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces suddenly experienced reduced speeds, complicating drone missions and frontline logistics until October 24th.
- SpaceX CEO Elon Musk stated that the military service limitations of Starshield are set by U.S. military officials and the President, although no one in Washington has publicly taken responsibility for these orders.
- Later, Musk attributed the service restrictions to alleged violations of usage terms by Ukrainian military personnel.
