UKRAINE TAKES FIRST STEP TOWARD CREATING SPACE FORCES
Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has approved in its first reading a bill that would create Space Forces as a new branch of the Armed Forces. The proposal received the support of 252 lawmakers, with no votes against.
The initiative would establish the legal foundation for Ukraine to develop its own military space capabilities, including satellites able to detect enemy missile launches, expand reconnaissance coverage and provide earlier warning to Ukrainian air defenses and civilians.
It also calls for a national secure satellite-communications network. Such a system would give Ukrainian commanders more resilient communications during Russian attacks and reduce the country’s long-term dependence on foreign commercial providers whose services remain outside Kyiv’s complete control.
This does not mean Ukraine suddenly possesses an operational military satellite constellation. The bill must still pass its second reading and receive final approval, while building, launching and maintaining these systems will require years of investment.
Ukraine was repeatedly underestimated in missiles, naval drones and long-range strike technology. Now it is beginning to build the legal and military structure necessary to defend the country from threats extending beyond the atmosphere itself.