SpaceX has granted the Ukrainian Armed Forces access to the secure Starshield communication network.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have gained access to the secure network of the American military satellite communication system, Starshield. This was reported by Bloomberg on Friday, December 6, following a contract between Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The agreement, finalized in August, became public only in early December. Under its terms, 2,500 Starlink terminals already in Ukraine will gain access to Starshield. Previously, 500 terminals from the company had already been connected to this network.

"A total of 3,000 terminals are being serviced under these two contracts," stated the Commercial Satellite Office of the Space Systems Command.

According to the agreement, the contracts will remain in effect until 2025 to "ensure stable internet access in Ukraine." The Space Systems Command declined to disclose the cost of the new contract between SpaceX and the Pentagon. Nevertheless, the prior agreement with the U.S. European Command for 500 terminals was valued at approximately $40 million.

What is known about Starshield

Starshield is a secure network of SpaceX's Starlink satellites intended for use by government agencies and military forces. This version features enhanced encryption and a range of additional security functions, including target tracking, optical and radio reconnaissance, as well as early warning about missiles.

This network is owned by the U.S. government, and consequently, only those agencies granted access by the government can utilize its services. The primary users of Starshield include the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the U.S. Space Force.

Recall that in November, American billionaire Elon Musk joined the first phone call between Volodymyr Zelensky and elected U.S. President Donald Trump. The businessman assured that he would also support Ukraine with Starlink satellites.