European satellite communications companies are accelerating efforts to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink following restrictions on Ukraine's access to the service that temporarily disrupted Ukrainian UAV operations, according to Axios. Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia recently announced an agreement with Ukraine's Ministry of Defense to explore the development of independent satellite communications capabilities, with initial satellites expected to be launched in 2028. Meanwhile, Eutelsat has positioned itself as a potential alternative, confirming that its services are already available in Ukraine and can support UAV operations.

European satellite communications companies are accelerating efforts to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink following restrictions on Ukraine's access to the service that temporarily disrupted Ukrainian UAV operations, according to Axios. Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia recently announced an agreement with Ukraine's Ministry of Defense to explore the development of independent satellite communications capabilities, with initial satellites expected to be launched in 2028. Meanwhile, Eutelsat has positioned itself as a potential alternative, confirming that its services are already available in Ukraine and can support UAV operations.