# DoD OIG Refers Ukraine Starlink Issues to Services

The Department of Defense Inspector General declined a congressional request to investigate Starlink and Starshield service disruptions in Ukraine, determining that the issue falls under the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force’s contractual oversight. U.S. and Ukrainian officials say service has returned to normal. The decision leaves any contract-related follow-up with the military services; the signal identifies no new solicitation or procurement opportunity.

- SpaceX is the contractor under the U.S. military’s Starlink contract, and the Air Force and Space Force have jurisdiction over the contract.
- Existing contractors and suppliers supporting the service should assess performance against current contract terms and be prepared for potential service reviews or contract changes; no new requirements or timeline are specified.
- For companies pursuing related work, this development signals contract administration and service performance oversight—not a newly announced acquisition.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG)
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- SpaceX (Contractor under the U.S. military’s Starlink contract)

### Key Quotes
> There must be an independent accounting and review to determine responsibility and prevent this from happening in the future.
> — Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator

### Sources
- [ABC: Pentagon watchdog "declines" to probe Starlink hiccups in Ukraine 🤦‍♂️
Buried: the independent IG called it a contract matter for the Air Force and Space Force, and service is back to normal. A watchdog doing paperwork, not politics. How "concerning."
https://t.co/Czr64KaYv](https://x.com/GumptionBaba/status/2115959246739140664) - twitter-defense