Ukraine Backs Space Forces Bill to Counter Missile Threats

Ukraine’s parliament backed legislation to create Space Forces within the Armed Forces in its first reading on Monday, Nov. 9, advancing plans for independent missile warnings and secure satellite communications.Parliament’s press service announced that 252 lawmakers supported bill No. 13255, which would amend the law governing the structure of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.The initiative envisages developing space technologies for defense, including a national system to detect enemy missile launches, and capabilities to counter such attacks.It also aims to support protected satellite communications for Ukraine’s security and defense sector.The first-reading vote approves the proposal in principle. Further legislative steps are needed before it becomes law, while creating an operational force would require separate organizational and technical work.Bill would add a new branch to Ukraine’s militaryRegistered on May 2, 2025, the legislation proposes adding Space Forces to the Armed Forces’ existing branches. Its sponsors include lawmaker Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of parliament’s national security and defense committee.The supporting materials argue that Ukraine has the scientific, engineering, and manufacturing expertise needed to develop its own satellites and associated infrastructure.They identify early detection of missile launches, satellite reconnaissance, and protected communications as priorities. Ukraine already uses space-based services supplied by foreign government agencies and commercial companies. Other Topics of Interest ‘What Have I Done?’ Trump Dismisses Impeachment Prospect Trump dismisses another impeachment in his CBS interview as Democrats prepare investigations into his administration after winning Congress. Parliament’s budget committee has assessed that establishing, maintaining, and equipping the proposed forces would require additional defense ministry expenditure. The vote itself does not establish a funded satellite constellation or announce a deployment timetable.Defense ministry has already established a space directorateThe proposal builds on earlier institutional changes. Ukraine’s defense ministry announced a Space Policy Directorate in March 2025 to coordinate military requirements, technical expertise, and cooperation with partners and commercial suppliers.In a subsequent explanation, the ministry identified three main needs: satellite communications, reconnaissance, and early warning of missile threats.“Timely detection of missile launches is critical for the effective operation of air defense systems,” the ministry said.It explained that satellite data helps identify enemy movements, logistics routes, and force concentrations, while communications support military command and long-range drone operations.The directorate’s work includes developing regulations, identifying promising technologies, and arranging access to space-based services. That policy body is distinct from the military branch proposed in the legislation.Ukraine is already testing independent satellite communicationsUkraine has also begun practical work toward reducing its dependence on external communications providers.Ukrainian company Himera and Denmark’s GomSpace launched OBRIA NANO, a test satellite, aboard a SpaceX mission on Oct. 1. The companies announced on Oct. 27 that it was operating in orbit.The satellite is intended to test technologies for a future Ukrainian communications network. Himera says it will operate under a Ukrainian operator’s control and serve the country’s strategic security needs.The longer-term plan includes coverage across Ukraine, cooperation with European satellite networks, and local production of spacecraft and ground terminals. The experimental satellite represents an initial technical step rather than a completed nationwide service.The drive for greater control over communications follows October Starshield disruptions that affected Ukrainian drone missions, reconnaissance, and frontline logistics.Ukraine’s defense ministry subsequently said operating speeds had recovered, while US lawmakers began seeking records concerning how the restrictions were authorized and implemented.Kyiv is also expanding cooperation with existing partners. Agreements signed with Finland on Oct. 22 included plans to make greater use of Finnish satellite capabilities through Nokia and ICEYE, alongside broader defense and economic cooperation. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.