Valeriy Zaluzhny, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and now the ambassador to the UK, commented on the government's initiative to establish Space Forces by December 31, 2025.
«It is time to look towards space, as the only way to achieve the necessary level of security lies in technological advantages across all domains. Hence, the decision to create Space Forces by the end of 2025, though delayed, is still highly relevant», he wrote on Telegram.
He emphasized that it is «very encouraging» that the high-tech nature of warfare and emerging security threats are dictating the urgent need for the development of national aerospace technologies as a key component of Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Ukraine plans to establish its Space Forces by the end of 2025. These intentions are outlined in the government's action program submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. By 2025, Ukraine aims to achieve 60% operational readiness of its integrated air and missile defense, along with cyber and space components.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Ukraine has three key needs in space: satellite communication (a crucial element for operating drones over long distances), reconnaissance, and early warning of missile threats.