The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought to light the intricate connection between civilian and military technology. Starlink, a satellite communication service operated by SpaceX, has played a pivotal role in supporting Ukrainian military operations. Simultaneously, Microsoft has provided cybersecurity assistance to Ukraine, aiding in the defense against Russian cyberattacks.
However, Starlink’s involvement has sparked controversy regarding the use of civilian technology for military purposes. In the fall of 2022, Ukrainian troops experienced outages of their Starlink devices on the front lines. More recently, it has been reported that Russian forces have illegally utilized Starlink within Ukrainian territories.
This article delves into the current applications of civilian technology in warfare, the shifting role of the private sector in developing emerging technologies, and the challenges this scenario presents to democratic nations by examining Starlink’s usage in the conflict.
