Realising Ukraine’s military potential in the Space Domain

Whilst conventional assistance (such as artillery, tanks, fighter jets etc) has been widely discussed, the most indispensable asset has gone largely unrecognised even whilst it shapes all of Ukraine’s operations. From the essential communications role of Starlink to the ‘space-powered targeting information and processes underpinning Ukraine’s strike capabilities, space is the decisive supporting element. During the current war, the leverage provided by the west’s decisively superiorspace capabilities has proved to be vital in allowing Ukraine to resist an ostensibly more powerful force. However, both the need for and potential of Ukraine’s own sovereign space power is evident. Ukraine has the history and resources to be a leading space power in Europe and worldwide.In order to further this aim, once there is the conceptual space to do so, Ukraine must begin the process of renewing and developing a National Space Strategy. This should be followed by, or be concurrent to the development of formal space doctrine. There are many excellent examples of national space strategies which provide much food for thought. These ae resources from which to draw. Ukraine like all countries has a unique set of resources and experiences which must be reflected in such strategy and doctrine. The process of drafting this guidance itself promotes thinking and planning and the product can and must be a guide to all military officers as to what the space domain can offer. It can also promote and drive essential co-operation.