In modern warfare, there is no way without space - an expert explained why Ukraine needs its own Space Forces
Kyiv • UNN
For effective counteraction to the enemy, all branches of the military desperately need space data. Ukraine needs cooperation with the ESA to deploy its own Space Forces.
On April 12, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Workers of the Rocket and Space Industry, when the achievements of Ukrainian specialists in space exploration and the development of space technologies are honored. Today, as Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine continues, the issue of creating our own Space Forces by our state is acute. Is Ukraine capable of achieving such ambitious goals and what is needed for this - a specialist in the field of state security Vitaliy Begma told UNN journalist.
Details
"Space Forces are a prospect and it is very good that this Space Department was created. The time for this has come. In modern warfare, there is no way without space," Begma explained.
The expert stressed that during modern warfare, all branches of the military desperately need space data to effectively counter the enemy.
Ukraine has the ability to form its own space forces. In addition to the creation of the relevant department, there are a number of private companies that are ready to work in this direction and contribute to the development of space forces. But we cannot handle this on our own. We have one satellite, and to create an effective group, we need at least 10-15," Begma said.
The formation of the Space Forces of Ukraine, according to Begma, should begin with the involvement of relevant specialists, but now our state is not ready to cope with this task on its own. In particular, cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) is necessary.
"Cooperation with ESA is currently a key moment. Europeans also understand the need to strengthen their own Space Forces, as the arrival of Donald Trump in power in the United States has threatened the receipt of intelligence from the US Space Forces," the expert explained.
Begma stressed that the chaotic mindset of Trump and his team is prompting EU defense ministers to look for a way out of the situation, but this is a lengthy process.
They will need at least five years to establish and organize the work of their own KS. And in this regard, Ukraine may be a useful partner with its developments and capabilities," Begma added.
According to him, this year Ukraine and the EU will devote to preparation. For effective cooperation in this area, it is necessary to create a joint coordination center, as well as conduct an audit of the main areas and ways of cooperation between our state and European allies.
"In other words, the deployment of Ukraine's own Space Forces is not only ripe, but overripe. And the military understands this well. However, we should not expect any concrete results this year. We'll see," the expert summarized.
Supplement
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine launched the Space Policy Department. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Defense Kateryna Chernogorenko at the International Forum "Space for Ukraine".
Chernogorenko also explained why space is important for Ukraine:
• military communication. Data will be transmitted instantly, which is important for understanding the operational situation;
• intelligence infrastructure. Thanks to satellites, we will know what the enemy is planning;
• early warning of missile threats. This is important for the safety of Ukrainians.
"The department will create a legislative framework, will be a center of technical expertise and will be a coordinator between all participants in the industry: engineers, innovators, developers, state institutions and the scientific community," Chernogorenko summarized.
Space forces of other countries
Today, the United States is the only country that has such Space Forces as an integral part of the army. In fact, it is a separate branch of the military. The US Space Forces were created in 2019 by merging existing programs and commands into a separate structure.
US KS are engaged in the security of the States in space, and also help in the operations of ground, naval and air forces. The main goal of the American KS structure for the coming years is to increase and develop the most modern threat detection systems.
In the same 2019, France formed the Air and Space Forces. According to the military planning law, 3.6 billion euros are earmarked for the development of space defense during 2019-2025. The Space Command plans and manages a group of satellites.
Spain also has its own air and space forces Spain, but as of today, they are exclusively air forces, consisting of 150 fighters and do not pretend to serious confrontation in space.
Its developments in the direction of space military confrontation are also being made by the main, as of today, rival of the United States – China. In 2022, this country sent 45 defense satellites into orbit. For comparison, the United States sent 15 less. Chinese intelligence capabilities are believed to be among the largest in the world.
Unfortunately, Russia is also a serious player in the space arena. Its capabilities are much inferior to those of China and the United States. However, the Russian military has weapons that can be used even outside the Earth.
For example, a Russian satellite, which Americans call "matryoshka", in which a large satellite releases a tiny one, and it already releases a mechanism that can hit and damage another satellite.