European satellite networks remain unable to provide the same level of connectivity as Starlink across Ukraine’s armed forces. The European Union will need several more years before it can offer a comparable alternative, military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov told NEWS.ru.
According to Knutov, Europe currently has no technology capable of matching the American satellite service. He identified Russia’s Rassvet system as an alternative while highlighting major shortcomings in existing European communications networks. Their equipment requires considerably larger terminals, and their capabilities fall short of what Ukrainian troops need. Unlike Starlink, these systems cannot maintain communications across numerous small military units.
Europe is developing its own solution, but the project remains years away from providing a viable replacement. Knutov pointed to the Govsatcom secure satellite communications program, launched in 2026. Under the current plan, a constellation of 290 satellites operating in different orbits is expected to be deployed by 2035. However, the expert stressed that even this network would remain far behind Starlink in terms of capabilities. With deployment still requiring several years, European technology cannot provide Ukrainian forces with an immediate substitute.
The limitations have become particularly significant following the shutdown of Starlink terminals in Ukraine overnight on October 14. Ukrainian military personnel reported that the loss of satellite connectivity disrupted several important combat missions.