Lessons from Ukraine war: Poland wants its own Starlink; where does India stand?
Poland is partnering with Finnish firm ICEYE and state-run PGZ to develop a sovereign military satellite communications network. The project, inspired by the reliance on SpaceX's Starlink during the Ukraine war, aims to ensure independent communication capabilities by 2030.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing trend of nations seeking to reduce dependence on private satellite providers for critical national security infrastructure.
Poland is moving to develop its own military satellite communications system in partnership with Finnish space company ICEYE and state-run defence giant PGZ, in a programme that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described as a potential “Polish Starlink”.The two companies signed a letter of intent for the project at the MSPO defence show in Kielce on Sept. 9. Tusk said the planned system would be modelled on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, highlighting the critical role of communications in modern warfare.Under the new partnership, ICEYE will serve as the technology partner, developing the satellite architecture, manufacturing the spacecraft and conducting satellite operations, while PGZ will establish the domestic industrial base and coordinate Polish companies contributing production capabilities, expertise and infrastructure.According to Defense News, PGZ said the programme is planned for implementation between 2026 and 2030.
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