On October 4, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the development of a new satellite system called Similar, designed to be an analogue to the Starlink system. This initiative aims to provide Ukraine with independence in satellite communications and reduce reliance on decisions made by SpaceX.
Reasons for Creating the New System
Zelensky pointed out that the development of Similar has become necessary due to the activation of Russian efforts to create their own satellite system named Rassvet. Russia has already launched several dozen satellites into orbit, which, according to Ukrainian intelligence, are being tested over Ukrainian territory. This could potentially allow the Russians to control their drones in real-time, posing a serious threat to Ukrainian forces.
Technical Details and Prospects
While the president did not disclose detailed specifications of the new system, he emphasized that its implementation would allow Ukraine to:
- reduce dependence on Starlink;
- provide its own satellite capabilities;
- improve the management of drones and other military technologies.
Zelensky also mentioned that with support from China, the system could be operational by the end of 2026 or early 2027. In comparison, Starlink currently has over 10,000 satellites in orbit.
Challenges and Risks
The development of the Similar system is not without its challenges. Although Russian satellites have issues reaching their calculated orbits, they plan to increase their constellation to 900 devices. This creates additional challenges for Ukrainian military forces, which must adapt their strategies in response to new enemy technologies.