Musk May Team Up with Ukraine to Combat Iranian Drones — Forbes
Elon Musk’s American company, SpaceX, may potentially begin collaborating with Ukrainian defense technology developers to create systems to counter Iranian drones.
These predictions stem from a sharp escalation in rhetoric from Tehran, which has declared the company’s satellite infrastructure a potential target.
The situation surrounding the American company escalated following official accusations by the Islamic Republic’s state media.
The Iranian news agency Fars claimed that the U.S. and Israeli militaries had allegedly used Starlink technology in combat operations and promised “armed retaliation,” warning of possible strikes on the company’s facilities.
Key communications hubs in the Middle East are now under threat.
Tehran has already openly named specific geographic locations that are in the crosshairs of its armed forces.
“Starlink ground stations located in the occupied territories of Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, and Oman, along with SpaceX’s partners, are Iran’s new targets,” the Fars statement said.
Western experts in space security note that the scale of the threat to Elon Musk’s business empire could turn out to be much broader.
As Brian Hurley, founder of the New Space Economy think tank, points out, not only Starlink terminals but also other infrastructure belonging to Musk’s company could be at risk.
Attacks could also affect the billionaire’s other high-tech ventures.
Analysts emphasize that Iran’s aggressive intentions are based primarily on conspiracy theories and assumptions.
“This means that not only thousands of Starlink internet terminals… but also SpaceX ground stations, as well as any enterprise controlled by xAI or X, could potentially come under attack,” Hurley explained.
Officials stress that there is no evidence of the civilian communications network being used for offensive purposes in the region in question.
He also points out that while there is no direct evidence of Starlink’s military use, Iran may be acting on assumptions.
“Iran may speculate or make such claims based on Starlink’s role in Ukraine,” the expert added.
Under the current circumstances, the unique innovations of the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex are in high demand on the global market. Experts are paying particular attention to Ukraine’s experience with drone warfare.
Herley notes: “Ukraine has gained practical experience in using low-cost interceptors, electronic warfare systems, sensors, and rapid adaptation to attacks by ‘Shahed’-type drones.”
It is precisely the integration of Ukraine’s combat experience that could enable the American corporation to protect its assets from airstrikes.
According to analysts, this experience could form the basis for future defense systems for SpaceX facilities in high-risk areas. The commercial space sector is forced to adapt quickly to the challenges of modern warfare.
This is reported by the authoritative financial and economic publication *Forbes*.
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