Musk says US military suicide drones used Starlink in violation of SpaceX rules

SpaceX and the Pentagon are embroiled in a dispute over the use of the Starshield satellite service during the Iran war, according to a Reuters report. The report reveals that SpaceX sought a significant price increase for its services after the military began using satellite terminals on "kamikaze" attack drones in Iran. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, disputed the report's accuracy but confirmed that the military drones initially used the commercial Starlink service, rather than the government-specific network.

This was a clear violation of Starlink's terms of service, Musk claimed, blaming the contractor that built the drones for the government. According to the Reuters report, which cites Pentagon documents and sources familiar with the pricing talks, SpaceX recently requested that the military pay $25,000 for Starshield access on each kamikaze drone. This marks a substantial increase from the $5,000 per connection previously paid by the Pentagon.

The report states that the Pentagon objected to the price hike but ultimately agreed to pay it. The development highlights the complexities and challenges of working with private companies on military projects. As the use of satellite technology in warfare continues to evolve, it is likely that similar disputes will arise over pricing, access, and the terms of service.

The use of "kamikaze" drones, also known as suicide drones, has become increasingly prevalent in modern warfare. These drones are designed to crash into targets, often with devastating effect. The use of Starlink on these drones has raised questions about the role of private companies in military operations and the need for clear guidelines on the use of their technology.