Four European Firms Compete to Replace Starlink in Ukraine: A Step Towards Tech Sovereignty

Europe's Quest for Satellite Communication Independence

In the face of deteriorating transatlantic relations and the growing urgency for technology sovereignty, Europe is actively pursuing options to replace Elon Musk's Starlink in Ukraine. Since the onset of Russia's invasion in 2022, Starlink has played a critical role in facilitating communications for Ukraine's military, ensuring real-time coordination during drone strikes and intelligence operations. However, recent geopolitical tensions and reported threats from U.S. officials have sparked concerns regarding reliance on a single provider of satellite communications. The fear stems from the implications of potential interference in evidence of military operations, heightening the need for an alternative.

Emerging Alternatives to Starlink

Currently, four European satellite firms are in discussions with EU governments about restoring critical connectivity in Ukraine. Leading this charge is Eutelsat, a joint Franco-British venture, whose CEO Eva Berneke confirmed discussions aimed at extending internet services in Ukraine. Eutelsat already boasts a strategic foothold with approximately 2,000 terminals operational in the country, and Berneke has expressed confidence that they could soon rival Starlink's infrastructure.

Other competitors include Inmarsat from the UK, Luxembourg’s SES, and Spain’s Hisdesat. Each firm has indicated they are ready to collaborate with European governments to bolster connectivity in the war-stricken nation. Hisdesat, particularly noted for its secure satellite communications tailored for government use, has reported ongoing dialogues with various European officials to explore how they can support Ukraine's critical communications needs.

Challenges of Replacing Starlink

Despite the potential presented by these European alternatives, replacing Starlink is anything but straightforward. Starlink currently dominates the market with over 7,000 satellites in low earth orbit and more than 40,000 terminals in use across Ukraine alone. This overwhelming scale has set a formidable barrier for would-be competitors. Even with the collective capabilities of European satellite providers, industry experts warn that duplicating the expansive coverage and reliability of Starlink is a complex and time-consuming feat.

For instance, analysts from Analysys Mason caution that even a joint effort among these firms may not achieve the levels of connectivity and speed offered by Starlink’s established network. Nevertheless, CEO Berneke remains optimistic, suggesting they could scale operations to meet Ukraine’s immediate needs within just a few months rather than years.

Looking to the Future

Long-term strategies also play a fundamental role in this satellite race. Europe is counting on IRIS², a future multi-orbit satellite internet constellation set to launch in 2030, to provide a more reliable, independent option for satellite communications. Notably, there's also Project Bromo, a joint venture among major aerospace companies including Airbus and Leonardo, which is anticipated to offer groundbreaking services that may challenge the long-standing reign of Starlink.

This shift towards establishing a Europe-centric satellite communication infrastructure reflects a broader trend of countries seeking to fortify their technological sovereignty and communication security. In light of the changing geopolitical landscape, such advancements will not only be crucial for Ukraine’s defense but will also redefine the future of satellite communications across Europe.

Conclusion: The Necessity for Action

The drive to replace Starlink with European alternatives is not merely a business venture; it is a matter of national security for Ukraine and a pivotal move toward autonomy within Europe. Executives and decision-makers in the digital transformation sector need to closely monitor these developments, as they may revolutionize the telecom landscape. Balancing immediate connectivity needs with strategic investments in future technologies is critical. Ensuring robust satellite communication autonomy will empower Ukraine in its ongoing defense and set a precedent for European technology independence moving forward.