Ukraine is exploring a sovereign satellite communications system with Finnish firms Nokia and ICEYE after restrictions on SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield services raised concerns about its reliance on US-controlled connectivity.
Following recent restrictions on Ukraine’s use of SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield satellite internet services, Ukraine has been actively seeking new partners that can help it stay connected when necessary. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence recently revealed that it had signed a letter of intent with Finnish technology companies Nokia and ICEYE, which manufactures satellites, to explore the development of new defence and satellite communication capabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also announced a partnership with Norway to jointly develop air defence and communications systems that could serve as an alternative to Starshield. SpaceX’s Starlink constellation has around 11,000 satellites in orbit, according to data tracked by astronomer Jonathan McDowell.
In the recent past, Elon Musk had attributed restrictions on Starlink services to alleged violations by Ukraine of the terms governing its use. Lawmakers in the US from both parties have also called for a formal investigation into Musk and SpaceX over alleged unilateral changes to the company’s services in Ukraine.
Beyond Ukraine, several countries are looking into sovereign satellite communication systems. The EU is building IRIS², a constellation of hundreds of satellites, but its first launches are not expected until 2029.
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Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, venture capital and private equity investors have poured about $8 billion into alternatives to Starlink and Starshield, according to research by Anderson, whose firm tracks industry deals. A CNBC report further states that about $3.9 billion of that funding has gone to potential Starlink competitors, such as SpaceSail and China SatNet.
ICEYE and Finnish telecommunications company Nokia have announced a partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence to explore the development of a sovereign satellite communications system. Such a system would give Ukraine greater control over its communications infrastructure and could potentially extend the operational range of its remotely operated weapons systems beyond what Starlink has previously enabled.
ICEYE already provides satellite imagery for Ukraine through its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with Rheinmetall paying for the data. Now, following the signing of a letter of intent between ICEYE, Nokia and Ukraine, the parties could explore developing a communications system that is not dependent on American companies.
The Finnish companies and Ukraine plan to explore the development of a secure, sovereign LEO broadband satellite communications system for governments. It remains unclear whether this would involve launching new satellites or using existing ones to fulfil that role.
Until now reports have suggested that restrictions on Starlink connectivity have affected its ability to intercept Russian kamikaze drones, which have become increasingly difficult to stop as Russia has significantly increased their speed. A future satellite communications system controlled by Ukraine could help the country develop more capable defensive interceptors and extend the operational range of its long-range attack drones and missiles targeting Russia.
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First Published:Oct 29, 2026, 01:06:17 IST