NZ Defence Force moves closer to buying Starshield satellite services after trial
Trial completed with 'potential utility'; concerns raised over reliance on private system after Ukraine's access was reduced
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has moved closer to purchasing satellite communications services from Elon Musk's SpaceX, after completing a trial of its Starshield system and finding it showed 'potential utility' for military operations. The move comes amid growing international concern over reliance on privately-owned space networks, after Ukraine's access to Starshield was reduced last month, jeopardising combat and air defence missions.