The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is testing SpaceX’s Starshield satellite communications system as part of an ongoing effort to explore new technologies for military operations and secure communications.
Starshield is SpaceX’s government and defence-focused version of Starlink. Unlike the consumer internet service used by millions around the world, Starshield is designed specifically for military and intelligence applications, featuring encrypted communications, secure relay systems, and government-controlled security architecture.
The NZDF confirmed to local media that it is currently conducting an exercise to evaluate whether Starshield could support future military operations. According to a spokesperson, “The NZDF seeks new and innovative capabilities to support operations.” (via RNZ)
The NZDF has reportedly already presented a business case to the government related to a “Starshield Global Access Subscription,” suggesting the testing could eventually lead to operational deployment.
The testing program comes as nations increasingly shift toward commercial low-Earth orbit satellite systems after the technology proved highly effective during the war in Ukraine. Starlink terminals became a critical communications tool for Ukrainian forces, capable of operating even during infrastructure attacks and electronic warfare attempts.
That success accelerated interest among Western militaries looking for lower-cost alternatives to traditional military satellite systems, which can take years to deploy and cost billions of dollars.
Starshield also recently made headlines in the U.S., after it was incorrectly reported that Starlink had significantly raised its prices for the Pentagon. However, that report was debunked by Elon Musk, who clarified that the contractor had been using the civilian Starlink network, instead of Starshield, for military drones, and the price increase was to reflect the switch.
Even so, the Pentagon recently awarded SpaceX two multibillion-dollar contracts. One is connected to the proposed “Golden Dome” missile tracking network. while the other is for SpaceX to build a new constellation of satellites to track airborne threats.
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