Dependence on partner systems and technologies carries risks and creates significant reliance, so there is sense in developing an independent satellite communication system that will work in Ukraine’s interests.
Statements about building an independent Ukrainian satellite communication system may sound like science fiction. However, work on this has already begun, and Ukrainian HIMERA and Danish GomSpace have launched the first test satellite, OBRIA NANO, into orbit.
According to HIMERA’s press release, the satellite was launched on October 1 during the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission and has already been put into operation. It is currently successfully undergoing planned testing of the OBRIA satellite group’s capabilities. The results of these tests are expected to provide practical experience for further development of Ukraine’s own infrastructure.
In the future, the HIMERA and GomSpace initiative plans to deploy a whole network of satellites that will provide communication within Ukraine’s territory and complement European network capabilities. OBRIA NANO will be controlled by a Ukrainian operator working in the state’s interests.
The further localization of satellite and communication terminal production is also mentioned. This means domestic competencies in the field will be developed, and the production capabilities of Ukrainian industry will be expanded.
From Defense Express, we note that independently creating a communication system from scratch indeed sounds like something difficult to implement and requiring extraordinary resources. Therefore, a different approach has been chosen.
Although Ukraine retained its space industry after the collapse of the USSR, dependence on cooperation with Russia and lack of sufficient funding led to numerous industry problems. Meanwhile, the need for relevant space capabilities, such as satellite reconnaissance and communication, has increased and become critically necessary on the battlefield.
Danish GomSpace is a producer of reconnaissance and communication tools, offering services for developing national space capabilities for countries. This includes rapid deployment of orbital capabilities, training for satellite utilization and mission execution, localization of production involving local suppliers and educational institutions, and more.
Thus, involving GomSpace could enable the deployment of independent satellite communication capabilities. This will involve not only creating a constellation but also the entire necessary infrastructure and engaging domestic industry and existing competencies.
Let’s recall that on October 14, 2026, SpaceX limited the speed of Starlink terminals, significantly affecting the use of both attack and defensive UAVs. Starlink is actively used for military communication and is a popular choice for UAV control. This indicates significant dependence, leading to vulnerability, so an independent alternative could be beneficial.
HIMERA is a Ukrainian developer and manufacturer of secure communication tools, such as HIMERA G1 PRO radios and HIMERA B repeaters. The company was founded in 2022 in response to the needs of the front and is now drawing interest from NATO countries with its developments.
Illustration: HIMERA
