“The Ukrainian Armed Forces' Space Forces: Why the Creation of a New Branch of the Military Is Met with Skepticism”

Key points

• Parliament approved first reading of a draft law creating Space Forces as a new military branch.
• The bill outlines the legal basis but not size, structure, or functions of the unit.
• Proposed focus areas include missile early-warning, secure satellite communications, and satellite reconnaissance.
• Skepticism centers on cost, technical feasibility, and reliance on existing agencies like SSAU.
• Experts caution that goals depend on costly, long-term developments and international partnerships.