Ukraine plans to create its own Space Forces

Outer space and the technologies associated with it have long been a crucial element of armed conflicts. Observing the modern battlefield, securing capabilities in Earth’s orbit to provide support on the ground has become indispensable. As a result, more and more countries are deciding to establish a dedicated military component tasked with building such capabilities. Ukraine has the same plan.

Ukraine’s "Space Force"

As reported by the Ukrainian portal UNN, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft government program that envisions the creation of a Space Force. According to this document, the new military component is to be established by December 31, 2025.

The creation of this component is part of a broader plan to restructure Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The program outlines a series of ambitious objectives in the field of defense and security. The goal is to build a new model of defense forces that can meet modern challenges and integrate the latest technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of integrated air and missile defense, as well as cyber and space components.

The space component of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is expected to reach 60% operational readiness by the end of the current year. This benchmark will be considered a key measure of success in forming the new force. Ukraine’s “Space Force” will be responsible for monitoring outer space, providing early warning of missile and aerial threats, and developing sovereign intelligence capabilities in orbit.

In addition, the government intends to submit to parliament a draft law on the ratification of an agreement with the EU that would allow Ukraine to join European space programs. It should be recalled that in April of this year, Ukraine joined the Earth observation program Copernicus.

A Space Trend?

The Ukrainian government’s plans include not only the creation of a new branch of the Armed Forces but also a thorough modernization of its approach to security and defense. The direction of these changes clearly points to the growing role of advanced technologies and international cooperation.

The decision to establish a space military component also aligns with a global trend, in which more and more countries are investing in space technologies as part of their national security strategies. For several years, the United States, Russia, China, and France have been developing similar formations. The most well-known are the U.S. Space Force, which has been operational since December 2019.

It is worth recalling that in March of this year, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine established a Department of Space Policy. Its purpose is to bring together state-owned and private companies, as well as scientists working in the space sector, to cooperate with the Armed Forces. “Over these three years of full-scale invasion, Ukraine has gained invaluable experience in the space sector thanks to our partners,” emphasized Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for Digitalization.

Ultimately, Ukraine plans to build its own satellites and integrate them into the country’s defense system. “Despite the challenges of war, we have not only maintained our space ambitions but are ready to realize them. For decades, Ukrainian scientists, engineers, and industrial specialists have built a strong scientific foundation and developed advanced space technologies. On this basis, we will create new capabilities that will strengthen the Defense Forces.” – added Deputy Minister Chernohorenko.