SpaceX raises Starlink tariff for US kamikaze drones to $25,000 per flight (heise.de)

• Starlink connectivity for LUCAS drones now costs $25,000 per month, up from $5,000.
• Price increase occurred during US-Israeli attack on Iran; military has no alternative.
• SpaceX leverages market power ahead of IPO; military dependency on private infrastructure exposed.

"SpaceX has quintupled the Starlink connectivity price for US military LUCAS kamikaze drones from $5,000 to nearly $25,000 per monthly rate, citing misuse of cheaper land/water drone tariffs. The US military has no alternative and must pay the higher price during the Iran attack. The move strengthens SpaceX ahead of its IPO and highlights the military's dependence on private satellite infrastructure. SpaceX also demanded $500 million to activate direct-to-phone service in Iran, which the Pentagon refused."