Ukraine's parliament advances bill to create Space Forces as new military branch

English.Nv.Ua • November 9, 2026

The legislation aims to develop the organizational, legal, institutional and military-technical capabilities needed to counter aggression from space by Russia and other potential adversaries.

The proposed measures include developing space technologies to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, establishing a domestic early warning system for missile launches, developing systems to counter missile attacks and creating a national secure satellite communications network for the country’s security and defense sector.

An explanatory note accompanying the bill states that establishing Space Forces is technically feasible thanks to Ukraine’s scientific, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. It also cites space projects Ukraine has undertaken in cooperation with Luxembourg, Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden.

The Guardian reported on Nov. 8 that Ukraine had already conducted at least three tests of systems designed to intercept missiles in near-Earth space to counter Russian Oreshnik missiles.

In late October, Ukrainian technology company Himera, working with Danish company GomSpace, successfully placed the Obria nano test satellite into Earth orbit. The launch is intended to lay the groundwork for an autonomous Ukrainian network of approximately 245 satellites.

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Ukraine Advances Legislation for Space Forces Amid Ongoing Missile Threats On November 9, 2026, Ukraine's parliament approved a bill to establish Space Forces as a new branch of its Armed Forces. The bill, known as No. 13255, received support from 252 lawmakers and aims to develop a national missile launch early warning system and secure satellite communications. This initiative is a response to the ongoing missile threats from Russia, particularly the use of ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities. The legislation is still in its early stages, requiring further readings and presidential approval before becoming law. The proposed Space Forces would enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities by reducing reliance on foreign satellite services, particularly after disruptions from SpaceX's Starlink. The bill reflects Ukraine's intent to leverage its scientific and engineering expertise to develop its own military space capabilities. The establishment of the Space Forces follows previous military expansions, including the creation of Unmanned Systems Forces in 2024. 7 sources 48

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