Space Defense & Militarization News

New York Times

High activity

Starlink access dispute and Lithuania incidents spotlight satellite links’ role in Ukraine war

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over claims that Washington slowed Starlink access, after reports said throttling disrupted Ukrainian military operations. Separately, a Lithuanian Starlink gateway serving Ukraine was targeted in an arson attempt, while an unidentified drone entered Lithuanian airspace without interception.

New York Times

Zelensky Says Trump Risks ‘Historic Mistake’ If He Backs Russia

SpaceNews.com

Space Force prepares global support for up to 56 satellite jammers

The U.S. Space Force is preparing to hire contractors to maintain and support global deployments of as many as 56 systems designed to disrupt adversaries’ communications. The planned contracting effort signals a broader operational footprint for a counterspace capability, though the summary provides no deployment locations or schedule.

Axios

Russian satellite approaches U.S. spacecraft serving Ukraine’s military

A Russian satellite has moved close to a U.S. satellite in a constellation that supports Ukraine’s military, raising concerns about Moscow’s intent. The report provides no further details on the spacecraft, the proximity or any operational effect, leaving the encounter’s immediate consequences unclear.

Washington Post

High activity

Starlink restrictions constrain Ukraine’s military communications and drone interception

Ukraine says restrictions on SpaceX’s satellite network are deliberate, not the result of technical problems, as reports attribute the limits to a White House order. The curbs have reportedly affected frontline communications and the military’s ability to intercept Russian attack drones, renewing questions about Ukraine’s reliance on U.S.-controlled space infrastructure.

SpaceNews.com

Northrop Grumman touts space-surveillance experience as Space Force opens in-orbit monitoring to new competitors

Northrop Grumman is emphasizing its longstanding role in military space surveillance as the U.S. Space Force opens the in-orbit surveillance market to newer companies. The shift introduces competition in a mission area where established defense contractors bring experience, while new entrants seek a share of emerging government demand.

DefenseNews.com

Iridium outlines satellite links and navigation tools for Army operations beyond line of sight

Iridium says its satellite communications help keep soldiers and unmanned systems connected beyond line of sight, while its navigation technology is designed for environments where GPS is disrupted. The discussion highlights the role of resilient connectivity and positioning in military operations.

Bloomberg

Satellite intelligence gives Ukraine critical warning of Russian missile and drone attacks

Satellites help Ukraine detect when Russian missiles and drones have been launched and provide information that can support interception, making space-based surveillance a key part of the country’s defense alongside weapons. The article describes the role of U.S. space-based capabilities in that effort.