Ukrainian troops battle heat and tech challenges with Starlink
High temperatures are also a significant problem for soldiers in Ukraine. The need for cooling pertains not only to people but also to equipment, on which the continuity of communication in the region and the success of battles depend.
Ukrainian soldiers from the "Khorne Group" unit show how they deal with the heat, which even causes problems for the Starlink system antennas. These must be cooled to avoid "shining" too much in thermal imaging since Russians are looking for them with their drones. Once located, these positions are targeted with artillery fire or bombs from the FAB family with UMPK modules.
Ukrainians and Russians have used Starlink terminals as a substitute for modern encrypted real-time communication necessary for efficient warfare operations. However, it should be noted that in recent weeks, the Pentagon forced SpaceX to cut off Russian access to Starlink.
Starlink as the heart of the Ukrainian armed forces
Communication is even more crucial today than in the most advanced tanks. Throughout history, less equipped but better-positioned and commanded forces could defeat better-equipped or more numerous opponents.
In such cases, the ability to send, for example, live drone footage to artillery system operators or to keep assault groups informed of enemy movements in real time is invaluable. Ukrainians are also pioneers in coordinating tanks with drones and utilizing naval drone swarms to hunt the Black Sea fleet.
Ukrainians initially faced significant shortages in encrypted communication, which they tried to "patch" in various ways. One method was using commercial radios, which could be eavesdropped upon, and eventually, Starlink system terminals became the best alternative, providing connectivity practically anywhere in the world.
Using terminals in the presence of Russian electronic warfare systems that interfere with GPS signals, among other things, presents some challenges. However, placing the antenna in a dug-out pit has minimized this issue.
It is precisely on Starlink, specifically over 10,000 terminals, that Ukrainian communication and battlefield management hinge, enabling them to inflict severe losses on the Russians while minimizing their own.
