The European Commission has drafted a white paper proposing that the EU fund European satellite connectivity services for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of its broader defence strategy amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The document emphasizes the urgent need for accessible space services to mitigate reliance on Starlink, a service owned by Elon Musk, due to concerns over potential operational disruptions.

In light of the critical communication needs of the Ukrainian military, EU governments are in discussions with four European satellite connectivity companies to explore feasible alternatives.

Currently, Eutelsat, a French satellite provider with a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, is noted as the only EU-based alternative capable of providing comparable services to Starlink.

Eutelsat has reported deploying approximately 2,000 terminals in Ukraine and has an additional 4,000 prepared for deployment, with plans for further expansion.

The draft remarks that while Starlink operates around 40,000 terminals in Ukraine, not all are utilized by military personnel; many serve civilian purposes, enabling internet access amid relentless Russian hostilities towards Ukrainian telecommunications.

Alternatives utilizing geostationary orbit satellites, such as those operated by Spanish Hispasat and Luxembourg's SES, could replace some of these civilian connections despite their inherent higher latency and larger equipment requirements.

The Commission's proposal also mentions the potential of associating Ukraine with the EU space programme and emphasizes collaboration on cyber protection for space assets, a priority underscored by a previous cyberattack on the Viasat satellite network that impacted Ukraine prior to the Russian invasion in 2022.

Additionally, in connection to enhancing military preparedness, the EU is set to publish a comprehensive strategy document outlining a 'Single Market for Defence,' including provisions related to joint procurement and prioritization of the European defence industry.

The paper aims to integrate the Ukrainian defence sector into EU frameworks to foster collaboration and increase production capabilities in response to security threats from Russia and other geopolitical challenges.

Key areas identified for joint investment include air and missile defence systems, artillery advancements, ammunition stockpiles, and military mobility infrastructure.

The Commission has also urged member states to prioritize European suppliers for defence procurement, promoting a move towards a consolidated EU defence market that enhances operational efficiency and reduces reliance on non-EU partners.

Current internal EU negotiations are evaluating fiscal adjustments and financial support mechanisms to achieve these expansive military objectives, including potential spending increases to address emerging security threats in Europe.