Ukraine takes first step towards satellite network independent of Musk

Ukraine has signed a letter of intent with Finnish telecoms company Nokia and satellite maker Iceye to explore building a satellite network it can control, DR reports. The agreement is not a final contract.

If the network is developed, Ukrainian forces could become less dependent on SpaceX, the company owned by Elon Musk. Ukraine currently uses SpaceX’s Starshield, a military version of Starlink, including to control military drones over long distances.

Ukraine recently experienced a sudden restriction in its access to Starshield. Connections were lost for drones travelling at 130 to 161 kilometres per hour, significantly limiting the country’s air defences, according to military analyst Jakob Clod Asmund of the Danish Defence Academy’s Centre for Air and Space Operations.

Starshield was developed for the US Department of Defense, and the US government gave Ukraine access to the service. Musk has said the White House was behind the restriction, while President Donald Trump has denied ordering it.

Iceye has also drawn attention this week after, according to several estimates, a Russian spy satellite called Kosmos 2612 came within 30 metres of one of its satellites. The Iceye satellite provides radar images used by Ukraine’s military.

Asmund said a system under Ukraine’s control could serve as a backup if another provider shut off its service, comparing it to an emergency generator. He said Ukraine’s agreement with Nokia and Iceye could help reduce its reliance on the United States and SpaceX.

Nokia and Iceye announced a joint satellite programme earlier this month, with plans to launch their first communications satellites in 2028. If a final agreement with Ukraine is reached, Asmund said Iceye’s track record suggests satellites could be put into orbit within a few months, possibly up to six months.