Ukraine reportedly tests HiSky satellite terminals as Starlink alternative for drones

Ukraine may be equipping its long-range drones with satellite terminals from Israeli firm HiSky as an alternative to SpaceX's Starlink, according to a Kyiv Post report citing military sources, though the move remains unconfirmed. The SmartLITE terminals reportedly maintain communications through multiple commercial satellite networks, allowing operators to transmit telemetry and adjust missions, though they carry less data than Starlink. Photos published by Russian media allegedly showed a crashed drone with a device labeled "Italian-made goods" from a plant in Caserta. The reported adoption follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Friday statement that speed restrictions on Starshield remain in place, hampering drone interception and signaling uncertainty about US support. Israeli regulations prohibit selling offensive-capable platforms to Ukraine, and neither Ukrainian authorities nor HiSky have confirmed operational use.