Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and currently the Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, commented on the government's decision to establish Space Forces by December 31, 2025.
«It’s time to look to space because our only way to achieve the necessary level of security lies in technological advantages across all domains. Thus, the decision to create Space Forces by December 31, 2025, as outlined in the government program, although delayed, is still relevant», he stated in a telegram.
He emphasized that it is «very positive» that the high-tech nature of warfare and upcoming security threats now necessitate the immediate development of national aerospace technologies and capabilities as a key component of Ukraine's defense readiness.
Ukraine plans to establish Space Forces by the end of 2025, as detailed in the government’s action program submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. By the end of 2025, Ukraine aims to achieve 60% operational readiness of its integrated air and missile defense, as well as cyber and space components.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Ukraine has three key needs in space: satellite communications (a crucial element for operating drones over long distances), reconnaissance, and early warning of missile threats.