On April 12, Ukraine honors the employees of the rocket and space industry. And this is not just a professional holiday, but a reminder that space has long ceased to be an exclusively scientific sphere. In the modern war, satellite data, navigation systems and space intelligence have become critical for defense. Russia's war against Ukraine only emphasized this new reality. That is why the idea of creating full space forces in Ukraine is becoming more and more louder.
Space troops are not futurism, but the requirement of time
As the state security expert Vitaly Begma explains, today without space - in no way. All troops need accurate satellite data: from the coordinates of goals and intelligence to protected communication. Although Ukraine has one Sich-2-30 satellite, at least 10-15 such devices are required for a full space group. Ukraine is not yet able to create such a network on its own - international cooperation is needed.
ECA as a strategic partner
According to Begma, the European Space Agency (ECA) should become a strategic partner in this process. Europe is also actively moving towards the creation of its own space forces, especially after Donald Trump's return to power in the United States has been asked access to US space intelligence. Therefore, the creation of a coordination center, audit of Ukrainian technologies and common projects with the EU can be an important step forward.
The first steps have already been taken
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has already created a space policy. Deputy Minister Kateryna Chernororenko emphasizes that key areas are military communication, intelligence and early missile threats. The newly created management will become the center of technical expertise and coordinator between state, scientific and private structures.
What do other countries have?
Today, only the United States has space forces as a separate genus of troops. They focus on protecting interests in space and supporting the army on Earth. France also created air space forces and by 2025 invests in them 3.6 billion euros. China has been ahead of the United States over the last year by the number of defensive satellites, and even recruits to the Planetary Defense Forces. Russia, despite the technological lag, still has in service with "Matryoshka" - satellites with the ability to attack other objects in space.
Ukraine can become an important partner in Europe
Despite the war, Ukraine has retained a strong engineering base, and private companies are ready to join development. Our experts can help the EU accelerate the creation of their own defensive space opportunities. But real results will appear no earlier than a few years. 2025-the year of preparation and search of allies.
