For Ukraine, losing a satellite connection could mean losing control of a drone flying deep inside enemy territory.After repeated disruptions to Elon Musk’s Starlink network exposed the risks of relying on a single provider, Kyiv is reportedly exploring an alternative developed by an Israeli company. The technology, manufactured in Italy, could give Ukrainian drones another way to stay connected during missions inside Russia.According to The Kyiv Post, Ukrainian forces are reportedly using satellite communication terminals developed by Israeli company HiSky on their long-range drones.The development comes amid growing concerns over restrictions affecting SpaceX’s Starlink and military-focused Starshield services, which have become important to Ukraine’s battlefield communications.The reported deployment came to light after Russian military sources circulated photographs of a Ukrainian drone that had reportedly crashed inside Russia.The recovered equipment appeared to include a satellite communication terminal identified as HiSky’s SmartLITE system. Italian newspaper La Repubblica subsequently reported that the device carried a label identifying an Italian manufacturing facility in the province of Caserta.The claims received further support from a November 13 report by Germany’s Handelsblatt, which said HiSky employees had confirmed that the company’s six-kilogram terminals were being installed on Ukrainian drones.However, HiSky’s chief executive declined to comment on the specific deployment, while Ukraine has not officially confirmed the reported operational use.What is HiSky and how does its technology work?HiSky is an Israeli satellite communications company founded in 2015. It develops compact satellite communication terminals for aircraft, ships, land-based vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).Its SmartLITE family is designed to provide voice and data connectivity to mobile platforms. Unlike SpaceX, HiSky does not operate its own satellite constellation. Instead, its terminals connect to satellite networks operated by third-party providers.For Ukraine, the technology could offer an additional communication link for drones flying beyond the coverage of conventional ground-based systems. Satellite connectivity allows operators to receive flight information, monitor a drone’s position and transmit mission-related instructions over long distances.One of the reported advantages of HiSky’s system is its ability to connect through multiple commercial satellite networks. This could give Ukrainian forces greater flexibility if access to one network is restricted or disrupted.Ukraine’s dependence on SpaceX’s satellite communication network has become a growing concern for Kyiv, particularly after disruptions to its military-focused Starshield service.In October, Ukrainian officials reported that Starlink and Starshield terminals had stopped functioning on platforms travelling faster than approximately 160 kmph, affecting high-speed military drones. Although service was restored on October 24, the incident exposed the risks of relying on a network controlled by a private American company.The issue resurfaced in November when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy complained that Starshield disruptions were affecting military operations, including efforts to intercept jet-powered Russian drones such as Iranian-designed Shaheds.He directed Ukrainian officials to engage with the US administration to resolve the problem. The repeated disruptions have strengthened Kyiv’s case for diversifying its satellite communication infrastructure.HiSky’s technology could provide an additional communication channel for long-range drones, reducing Ukraine’s dependence on SpaceX, although it is not considered a complete replacement for Starlink.