Ukraine's Defence Ministry unveils plans for space forces

At the international forum "Space For Ukraine," Kateryna Chernogorenko, the Deputy Minister of Defence for Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitization, announced the establishment of the Space Policy Directorate under Ukraine's Ministry of Defence.

This new directorate is tasked with working alongside developers of military space technologies, including satellites and missiles, as well as overseeing procurement and shaping national policy in this critical domain, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

"We have launched an institution that will serve as an integrator for all decisions related specifically to military space... This directorate was established this year... We have created the Space Policy Directorate," Chernogorenko remarked.

The Ministry of Defence's vision is to position itself as the principal customer for space technology and software tailored to the needs of Ukraine's Defense Forces. "We want the Defense Ministry to be the integrator of space solutions for the Defence Forces, possessing the expertise to formulate technical requirements," Chernogorenko explained.

Chernogorenko also revealed that Ukraine is advancing toward the establishment of its own space forces, following the example of many partner nations and recognizing the growing space capabilities of adversarial forces.

"Ukraine is moving toward the establishment of space forces. The vast majority of our partner nations are developing this branch of the military. And, of course, our enemy is also advancing in this field, acquiring new capabilities and technologies. We must provide these capabilities to our military," she stated.

Looking to the future, the Ministry of Defence has set ambitious goals for 2030, with plans to launch national satellites dedicated to defense purposes, an air raid alert system, and enhanced space monitoring capabilities.

By Vafa Guliyeva