Russia is building its own Starlink to guide drones like Shaheds. Ukraine answers with new Space Forces meant to knock those satellites out

Ukraine has established a new Space Forces branch within its military to counter Russia's growing presence in space. On November 9th, the Ukrainian Parliament passed a law creating this new branch, whose primary mission is to destroy Russian satellites and disrupt Russia's new military satellite network, Taras Berezovets of the Territorial Defense Forces Command explained to Channel 24.

This move comes after Ukraine experienced a decline in the performance of its Starlink terminals due to a diesel deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, Russia is developing its "Rassvet" system, which is designed to coordinate its forces and guide drones like Shaheds.

The newly formed Space Forces have three main objectives: to destroy Russian satellites, counter Russia's "Rassvet" network, and incorporate space reconnaissance into combat operations, similar to those carried out by other armies. Since Ukraine cannot launch its own spacecraft during the war, partners will provide the satellites, which will then report directly to the Space Forces.

Berezovets noted that Ukraine was the first country to create Unmanned Systems Forces in February 2024, and he considers the establishment of a separate space branch as a logical next step against Russia. Russia has already launched 32 satellites this year for the purpose of relaying reconnaissance drone data and adjusting the flight paths of strike drones mid-flight, reducing their reliance on preset routes and evading Ukrainian air defenses and electronic warfare systems.

The new branch is currently in the testing phase, with some glitches reported. Russia has lost contact with three satellites in the past month, but Berezovets cautioned against underestimating the potential threat posed by this Russian project, which is supported by foreign components purchased despite sanctions.