Overview
- Lithuanian authorities said they stopped an attempted arson at a company that stores SpaceX Starlink gear on Sunday, October 18, and found containers of incendiary liquid at the scene.
- Officials opened a pre-trial investigation and are searching for suspects after the attempt caused only minor damage because the firm had been warned and security was reinforced.
- The incident follows a September fire at a Starlink ground station in Poland and reported arson against Starlink antennas in Bulgaria, which Lithuanian leaders and others describe as a pattern of sabotage linked to Russia; Moscow denies involvement.
- Lithuania reported a separate drone crash in the north on Oct. 18 and has convened the National Security Commission to discuss expanding powers to neutralize drones and to tighten protection of satellite infrastructure.
- Starlink terminals and ground links are vital to Ukrainian battlefield communications and drone guidance, so attacks on terrestrial equipment risk degrading military and civilian connectivity and are spurring increased cross-border law enforcement and security measures.