Ukraine Plans 120-Satellite Communications Network to Mirror Starlink

Ukraine is developing its own satellite internet constellation modeled after Starlink to support defense operations and state infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this week. Speaking to journalists, Zelensky confirmed the initiative, stating that work is underway on a communications system similar to the network operated by SpaceX.

Early plans call for launching 120 satellites in 2027, according to reporting by TechRadar Pro . Because Ukraine lacks domestic heavy-lift orbital launch vehicles, the program plans to rely on SpaceX rockets to deploy the constellation in multi-satellite payloads.

Ukrainian company Stetman is developing the orbital communications units, which are designed to support armed forces, state institutions, and critical infrastructure. Initial reports regarding the project surfaced in July 2026 via outlets including Ukraine Business News.

Alongside the sovereign constellation project, Zelensky argued that it would be fair for Ukraine to use Starlink internet connectivity for strikes inside Russian territory, calling for an end to geographic restrictions on the service. Zelensky stated that the request comes as Ukraine anticipates foreign technological support for Moscow, claiming Chinese entities will share relevant technologies with Russia between late this year and early next year.

The Ukrainian initiative follows technical failures in Russia's rival satellite program, Rassvet. All 16 satellites launched for the Rassvet constellation in July 2026 failed to achieve their target operational altitudes and are currently decaying in orbit. While Ukrainian officials have called on the United States to sanction Russian and Chinese entities involved in the Rassvet project, Washington has not taken action.