Drone operators in Ukraine are coordinating strikes against invading forces using Elon Musk's Starlink system.

What appeared to be a publicity stunt is now making a meaningful difference in aiding Ukraine's territorial defense. While there have been numerous cases of tiny, occasionally civilian drones targeting Russian tanks (and other vehicles), few are as spectacular as the halt of the notorious "40 mile long convoy."

Aerorozvidka, a non-governmental air reconnaissance organization that works with the Ukrainian army but largely relies on students, academics, and electronics hobbyists utilizing their own equipment and connections, targeted the convoy. Drones are used by the unit to patrol the Ukrainian border, check for signs of Russian vulnerability, and occasionally coordinate or conduct out strikes.

Aerorozvidka was created in May 2014 by a group that included a Ukrainian battalion commander, however it was critically underfunded and resembled more of an active DIY group than an organized military structure. Aerorozvidka, on the other hand, has shown to be incredibly efficient in assisting the Ukrainian military in targeting Russian units, particularly at night when they are stationary.

Elon Musk's Starlink fleet, which was dispatched to Ukraine following a Twitter debate between the billionaire and a Ukrainian official, contributes to this.

According to the New York Times, Aerorozvidka conducts roughly 300 scouting missions per day, with most attacks taking place at night, when the drones are nearly invisible to the naked eye — but the drones, outfitted with thermal cameras, can "see" just fine.

However, coordinating these drones (and different teams) is difficult, especially in rural places with limited internet connectivity. This is where Starlink enters the picture.

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