UK Adopts SpaceX Starshield for Defence Operations, Shifting Military Traffic From Starlink in 2026
Updated
Updated · News18 · Jun 2
UK Adopts SpaceX Starshield for Defence Operations, Shifting Military Traffic From Starlink in 2026
3 articles · Updated · News18 · Jun 2
Britain began moving operational military communications to SpaceX’s Starshield around the start of 2026, making it one of the first countries outside the US to deploy the defence-focused network.
Starshield is replacing Starlink for defence operations because it is built for military and intelligence missions, with added security and operational capabilities that the commercial broadband service lacks.
The UK Ministry of Defence said Starlink is still used for non-operational tasks such as deployed personnel contacting family, but "is not used for military operations" and the armed forces use multiple communications suppliers.
The shift follows renewed scrutiny of Starlink’s military use after reports last month that SpaceX raised Pentagon prices fivefold for Starlink services tied to operations involving kamikaze drones against Iran.
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The UK's 2026 Defence SATCOM Shift: Integrating Starshield with SKYNET for Secure Military Communications
Overview
As of early 2026, the UK is moving towards more secure satellite communications by considering a shift from using SpaceX’s commercial Starlink service to the dedicated Starshield system for military operations. The British military began using Starlink in July 2022 and, by May 2025, operated around 1,000 terminals, showing Starlink’s important but temporary role. Starshield, designed specifically for government and defence, offers enhanced security, dedicated services, and greater resilience. This transition reflects the UK’s focus on strengthening its defence communications with systems built for military needs rather than relying on commercial solutions.