# SpaceX and the Pentagon have been bickering about the price of using Starshield satellite service during the Iran war.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-26 · Ars Technica*

## Key points

- SpaceX raised the monthly Starshield service fee from $5,000 to $25,000 for kamikaze drones.
- The Pentagon agreed to SpaceX's increased fee despite concerns it was designed for aircraft use.
- Musk confirmed the military initially used commercial Starlink for drones, violating terms of service.
- Pentagon documents reveal consideration of over 3,500 new Starshield terminal subscriptions for future purchases.
- SpaceX proposed charging $500 million upfront and $100 million monthly to provide direct-to-cell Starlink in Iran.

**Companies:** SpaceX, Spektreworks
**Countries:** United States, Iran

[Read the full story on Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/musk-says-us-military-suicide-drones-used-starlink-in-violation-of-spacex-rules/)

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