US defense outlet The War Zone (TWZ) reported on Tuesday that Ukrainian drone manufacturer Wild Hornets is reevaluating its reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite communication system.
After the recent speed restriction on Starshield, the military version of Starlink, Wild Hornets has decided that relying on SpaceX owner Elon Musk’s goodwill may carry unpredictable risks.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky complained on Oct. 19 that “in various sectors of the front, the equipment ceases to function at speeds of 130-161 kilometers per hour [81-100 miles per hour].”
He implied that the US government purposely imposed this reduction, along with delays in ballistic launch warnings, in response to a request from Musk, according to an Oct. 16 Reuters report, although US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied any such intention this week.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later claimed on Wednesday that Musk, not the White House, is responsible for the restrictions imposed.
What alternatives to Starlink are available
Wild Hornets, along with other major Ukrainian combat drone producers, currently rely on Musk’s satellite constellation for operations. Even before the latest situation, they have been exploring domestic alternatives for their long-range remote-control requirements.
While Starlink remains necessary to link command centers to local ground stations, Wild Hornets has spent months seeking resilient, domestic alternatives to its dependence on Starlink.
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Musk Ordered Starlink Slowdown That Disrupted Ukrainian Drone Operations – WSJ
The restrictions capped connectivity for terminals moving at around 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph) or faster, effectively grounding some Ukrainian strike and interceptor drones.
Wild Hornets spokesman Mike Orliuk told TWZ that its own communications system provides the basic connection to its interceptors, using “various sources of internet connectivity.” He said that its command terminals don’t “need to be moved at high speeds” as they “simply provide a connection between the command center and the ground station to which the interceptor is connected.”
There are, according to Ukrainian media reports, three main communications systems that Wild Hornets is using and further developing for controlling drones:
- Hornet Vision Control: In an Oct. 5 Instagram post, the company said it will use its proprietary digital communication and video transmission infrastructure as the main control system for its STING interceptor drones. Its stationary ground stations can use any internet connection rather than relying strictly on space-based satellite terminals.
- Expanded Communication Channels: In an August systems update, Wild Hornets expanded its Hornet Vision digital video transmission system from nine to 25 independent communication channels. It claims this software-driven upgrade lets more than twice as many drones operate simultaneously in a single combat sector without causing critical radio interference or falling victim to local electronic warfare (EW) jamming.
- The HV VTX Pro Module: To further secure its independent capabilities, the company produces its own HV VTX Pro video transmitter. According to an August report by Ukrainska Pravda, the system operates at an increased output power of 4 watts, which boosts the digital video signal range by up to 50%. This not only maximizes the effective operational distance, which is governed by onboard battery capacity rather than satellite coverage, but also improves the stability and quality of communications when operating in an EW environment.
Building a private air defense network
In early October, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense granted Wild Hornets “private air defense status,” allowing the company to operate as a decentralized, autonomous air defense network.
In practice, the company’s “Night Hornets” unit will integrate its control centers and remote launch networks directly into the Ukrainian Air Force command. This will let it protect critical civilian infrastructure and production facilities, primarily using STING interceptors, without needing an active Starlink connection at the tactical level.
The “Night Hornets” have worked with the Ukrainian military since October 2024 on operator training, system development and combat operations, and many of its instructors and test pilots have combat experience gained in the war with Russia.
The company is also believed to be heavily involved in supporting Ukraine’s privatized air defense project, both in a training capacity and as a supplier of drones to nearly 100 companies establishing air defense groups.
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