Warsaw, Poland
The war in Ukraine has once again highlighted the importance of secure and continuously available communication systems in modern warfare. Taking lessons from the conflict, Poland is now preparing to develop its own military satellite communications network. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has described the project as potentially becoming a “Polish Starlink.”
As part of the initiative, Poland has partnered with Finnish satellite company ICEYE and state-controlled defense company PGZ. The two companies signed a letter of intent on September 9 during the MSPO Defence Show held in Kielce.
Under the proposed arrangement, ICEYE will serve as the technology partner. The company will assist in developing the satellite architecture as well as manufacturing and operating the satellites. PGZ, meanwhile, will work to strengthen Poland’s domestic industrial base in the sector.
The program is planned to be implemented between 2026 and 2030. Poland aims to establish a distributed satellite architecture that it can independently develop and operate.
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Tusk said that communications play a decisive role on the modern battlefield. Starlink terminals have been widely used in Ukraine for military communications and in some drone operations.
India’s Preparations
India has already developed significant capabilities in military satellite communications. Dedicated communication satellites for the Indian Armed Forces have strengthened the country’s secure and strategic communications capabilities. Poland’s new initiative is another indication that space-based co
