U.S. Approves $150 Million Starlink Extension to Support Ukraine’s Defense

Washington, August 29, 2025 – The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for the extension of Starlink satellite communications services and related equipment, valued at $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of the determination, marking another step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

What the Package Includes

• Starlink Extension: Continued satellite communications support for Ukrainian terminals.

• Technical Assistance: Engineering, logistics, and program support from the U.S. Government and contractors.

• Seamless Integration: The DSCA confirmed that Ukraine’s armed forces will be able to absorb the services without difficulty, and no additional U.S. personnel will be required on the ground.

The principal contractor for the project will be Starlink Services, based in Hawthorne, California. No offset agreements have been proposed, with any future arrangements to be determined directly between Ukraine and the contractor.

Strategic Importance

According to the U.S. government, the proposed sale supports Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives, strengthening a partner that contributes to political stability and economic progress in Europe. The package is designed to bolster Ukraine’s self-defense and regional security missions without altering the overall military balance in the region.

Starlink’s Role in the War

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has relied heavily on Starlink for both civilian connectivity and military operations. Thousands of terminals across the country enable real-time intelligence sharing, drone coordination, artillery targeting, and secure communications even when traditional infrastructure is disrupted. By 2022, more than 20,000 Starlink units were operational in Ukraine, supported by donations and international assistance.

Part of a Larger U.S. Commitment

The Starlink package comes alongside another U.S. approval worth $179.1 million for the sustainment of Patriot air defense systems, bringing the total support package to around $329 million. Together, these measures underline Washington’s ongoing commitment to reinforcing Ukraine’s resilience against current and future threats.

The decision clears the way for formal negotiations and final agreements. For Ukraine, the extension of Starlink services means more robust and reliable battlefield communications, while for the U.S., it demonstrates a continued pledge to transatlantic security and regional stability.