Space Forces may be created in Ukraine: why this is a chance for a technological breakthrough by British standards

Космос for defense: when the ideas of people's deputies can change the Ukrainian military doctrine

Ukraine has seriously considered creating a separate kind of Space Force — similar to what Britain, the USA, or France have done.¹ According to People's Deputy Fedor Venislavsky, parliamentarians are already preparing a law that will start the process of organizational design: signing, approval, launching a think tank and forming a separate command, probably consisting of ten key officers.

The idea arose against the backdrop of the rapid development of drones, autonomous communication systems, missile weapons, as well as Russia's use of strike satellite technologies ("Oreshnik" - a strike in November 2024 through outer space).¹ In the era of hybrid warfare, space is becoming a new front, where precision, autonomy, and reliability mean the survival of not only the army, but also all of the state's communication systems.

The British example: how space forces are changing the security landscape

The UK created Space Command in 2021, integrating satellites for communications, navigation, early warning of missile threats, and space surveillance.¹ These forces are subordinate to a separate headquarters, capable of controlling autonomous satellite constellations, providing high-precision navigation, communications according to NATO standards, and closing “blind spots” for ballistic missile attacks. For Ukraine, this means potential independence from Starlinks, commercial outsourcing solutions, or “goodwill of partners.”

Space “revolution” in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what will the new doctrine change?

People's Deputy Venislavsky emphasizes: the new branch of the military will be engaged not only in reconnaissance or satellite navigation.¹ It will become a strong communications defense, a means of delivering high-precision strikes, early warning of missile attacks, and the development of high-tech defenses. The Space Force will have its own mini-brain center for formulating rules of application and developing new standards.

The Ukrainian army already has a number of commercial satellites at its disposal, cooperates with Bayraktar, Iceye, Maxar, and Capella, but the full-scale formation of the Space Forces is a qualitative step towards sovereignty in the field of communication and defense solutions.

Challenges and realities - where to get satellites?

The deputy emphasizes: no country can implement a full constellation of satellites 100% at its own expense.¹ For Ukraine, partner assistance is a key factor, and the Ministry of Defense is already working on procurement “for the year ahead.” About a dozen satellites are expected — some purchased, some received from Western partners.

The Drone Program, the creation of cyber forces (the draft law has already been adopted as a basis), air defense reform (UAV/APA Forces) — all of this is being integrated into the future space doctrine.

Russian space threats: at the cost of war and time

The Russian Federation does not hide the use of force in space and cyberspace.¹ The Oreshnik missile strike on targets through international space is just the beginning of a possible “space war.” For Ukraine, this is a signal not to delay: an autonomous system of satellites, space radar networks, backup communications, and early response should be a priority in the reform of military doctrine.

What's next? When to expect the launch of "Ukrainian space"

In the near future, the Rada may adopt the law on the Space Forces, and the Ministry of Defense may purchase the first batch of satellites for its own use.¹ The launch of a command within the structure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is expected, and the first heads of a think tank to work with cyber defense, communications, and innovations may be appointed.

In parallel, international consultations and the search for partners are ongoing - France, the USA, and Turkey already support the idea, and the UK has proposed projects to develop autonomous navigation, secure communication, and surveillance.

Conclusions: why does Ukraine need Space Forces?

The new branch of the military is not “fiction,” but a response to the modern challenges of war and the Russian Federation’s strategy.¹ If the project is implemented according to the British scenario, Ukraine will be able to create an autonomous defense center in space, provide its army, energy, infrastructure and society with high-tech protection and reliable communications. This is a chance to move to a qualitatively new level of defense, get out of zones of dependence and make the country an example for allies in the future.

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