Ukraine explores satellite communications system under its own control

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence and the companies ICEYE and Nokia have signed a letter of intent to explore the development of a sovereign satellite communications system, the British online defence publication UK Defence Journal reports, citing the companies. The letter was announced on 22 October 2026 during the Finnish prime minister’s visit to Ukraine.

This is a developing story and further information may be added.

Plans envisage control over satellites, ground infrastructure and terminals

Earlier in October, ICEYE and Nokia announced a partnership to develop broadband communications systems in low Earth orbit. According to the concept presented by the companies, countries will be able to own and control the satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals. This is the overall framework for the partnership, not a final configuration selected for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky describes the letter of intent between Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, ICEYE and Nokia as an important step towards capabilities that Ukraine can control, the specialist publication UK Defence Journal reports. He describes reliable communications as a matter of national security and stresses the importance of capabilities that Ukraine can control. Zelensky also links the cooperation to long-term European security.

In Flank’s assessment, the central objective is control over communications assets, rather than simply access to a service. According to ICEYE and Nokia, the concept envisages governments owning and controlling the satellites, ground segment and terminals. National control alone, however, does not demonstrate resilience against jamming, cyber interference or disruption.

Specific parameters of the project for Ukraine have not been announced

The signed document is a step towards a feasibility study, not a contract to manufacture or deliver an operational system. The parties’ specific commitments, funding and timetable remain unclear. The number of satellites, coverage, capacity and terminal requirements have not been announced either.

The full text of the letter and the technical parameters would allow an assessment of which military requirements the project will meet and how ownership and management will be divided. The general description of the partnership is insufficient for such an assessment. Further information may be added.