The U.S. Army Reserve’s 324th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB), Bravo Company, is modernizing military communications by integrating SpaceX’s laser-operated Starshield system, according to The Aviationist. This advanced, compact technology replaces older, bulky satellite systems, offering faster data speeds (300–500 Mbps), low latency (25 ms), and easier deployment in the field. The Starshield’s portability and simplified setup enhance battlefield efficiency and safety, allowing soldiers to establish communications within minutes. As a civilian-friendly system, it also reduces training time. In addition to securing global connectivity, Starshield enables Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) targeting, allowing forces to engage and coordinate across vast distances with precision. Overall, the new system boosts operational capabilities and helps save lives by improving communication, speed, targeting, and decision-making. They write:

The service is looking for an alternate rapid tactical communications and data-linking capability to better equip the mobility fleet for logistics in high-end, contested environments.

The 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, is working towards the Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) vision to have 25% of its fleet with alternative Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) satellite broadband internet-based tactical communications and data link systems. Under the ‘25 by 25’ initiative by former AMC commander Gen. Mike Minihan, the 317th AW  tested on Jun. 4, 2025, the “advanced communications hardware for certification on a C-130J Super Hercules,” by installing a transceiver of SpaceX’s military-specific Starshield on the escape hatch. […]

“Additionally, through an external antenna, crew members tested voice over secret internet protocol (VOSIP) communications access,” added the release. Aircrew also tested an “experimental Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) and Line-of-Sight (LOS) tactical data link integration hatch” on a C-130. […]

U.S. Navy and Starlink

Starlink was also used extensively in the first year of the Ukraine-Russia war, until Musk complained about its vulnerability to Russian electronic and cyber attacks. Starshield meanwhile has been used by the U.S. Marine Corps and installed aboard U.S. Navy warships too. […]

The range is used to trial several missiles and hypersonic missiles over the Pacific Ocean off the U.S.’s western seaboard. Multiple air and sea assets spread out over the tested weapon’s intended route, interconnected with high-speed satellite internet network, helps real-time relaying of data back to the test facilities.