Overview

• Government-linked scientists have published dozens of papers suggesting the use of lasers and physical sabotage to disable Starlink satellites.
• The research comes as Starlink remains integral to U.S. and allied battlefield communications and intelligence operations since 2022.
• Russia’s prior electronic jamming attacks against the network have already demonstrated its strategic importance and vulnerability.
• European governments are fast-tracking alternative constellations like IRIS² and Eutelsat projects, but none approach Starlink’s current coverage.
• Reliance on Elon Musk’s privately owned network continues to raise concerns over strategic control and geopolitical exposure.