Ukraine signed a letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE to establish its own satellite communications network following Starlink and Starshield restrictions.
After the communication outages it experienced, Ukraine took action to develop a Ukrainian Nokia satellite network under its control. The letter of intent signed with Finnish telecommunications giant Nokia and satellite manufacturer ICEYE aims to save the country's military communications infrastructure from external dependence.
The Ukrainian army sat down with these companies on October 22 to evaluate the possibility of developing a satellite communications network that would operate under its control. This agreement aims to make the satellite-based communications infrastructure used in the country's military operations more secure and independent.
Risk of Foreign Dependency in Satellite Communication
In the face of Russia's invasion and ongoing attacks, which started in February 2022, Ukraine relies heavily on satellite technologies for military communications and data transfer. However, the country does not own the satellites it uses for this purpose.
The Ukrainian army receives service mainly through SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, which operates in low Earth orbit, and Starshield, the military communication system used by the US government and its allies. Starshield is especially critical for Ukraine's ability to use unmanned aerial vehicles operating over large distances and in war zones.
Ukraine has gained significant experience in the field of warfare with drones, which it has used extensively in offensive and defensive operations. Satellite connection allows these vehicles to be controlled over long distances and data transfer.
However, on October 14, Ukrainian soldiers and officials reported that there were serious restrictions on access to Starshield services. Allegedly, a limit has been imposed on the movement speed of drones carrying satellite terminals.
This caused some drones to crash, which experienced connectivity and control problems. It was reported that some US officials said that the decision came from Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX.
Musk stated that the responsibility lies with the US administration. US President Trump and Defense Minister Rubio stated that the responsibility lies with SpaceX.
Trump recently announced that Starlink access was back. Therefore, Ukraine cannot alone determine the conditions for the use of a communications infrastructure that is critical for the military operations it conducts on its territory.
ICEYE Technology and Russia's Interest
The fact that the system is still not working at full performance has strengthened the country's desire to reduce its foreign dependency in satellite communications. ICEYE already provides support to Ukraine's defense activities with satellite data.
The Finnish company and its US subsidiary jointly operate a fleet of Earth observation satellites that operate in low Earth orbit and use synthetic aperture radar technology. This technology enables observations in various weather conditions by imaging the earth through radar signals.
Ukraine uses data obtained from ICEYE satellites in intelligence activities and military planning. This cooperation has made the company's satellites targets that attract Russia's attention.
It was recently reported that a Russian surveillance satellite called Kosmos 2612 passed extremely close to the ICEYE-X36 satellite operated by ICEYE's US subsidiary. The purpose of this rapprochement remains unclear.
It is considered that Russia may have carried out the maneuver in question to examine the capabilities of the satellite, to evaluate the possibilities of interfering with the satellite, or to send a message to ICEYE and Ukraine.
