Submission + - European support for the digital battlefield in Ukraine (atlanticcouncil.org)
Iamthecheese writes: French satellite company Eutelsat has been providing internet access to Ukraine for nearly a year using its OneWeb low-orbit satellite network, similar to SpaceX's Starlink, with funding provided by the German government. Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke stated that while they currently have fewer than a thousand terminals active compared to Starlink's approximately 50,000 (primarily funded by Poland and the US), they could potentially deploy 5,000 to 10,000 more within weeks. Discussions are underway regarding funding for this expansion, potentially involving Germany or other sources, as the service is viewed as a crucial alternative, especially given concerns about reliance on Starlink and potential political shifts; Eutelsat is also in talks with the EU regarding the future IRIS2 secure satellite constellation.
This diversification is part of a wider strategic adaptation: European support is increasingly focused on bolstering Ukraine's specific technological needs for the modern battlefield. Recent EU strategic documents clearly identify enhancing Ukraine's capabilities in drones, counter-drone systems, cyber defense, and electronic warfare as key priorities, while leveraging Ukraine's strengths in AI and drones. Alongside this support, defense cooperation frameworks like PESCO aim to integrate Ukraine's defense technology base, potentially leveraging capabilities like operational Cyber Rapid Response Teams, while broader initiatives like the Digital Europe Programme adapt to the security landscape revealed by the war.
The cyber front remains intensely active: Russian-aligned actors continue espionage campaigns targeting Ukrainian state entities and critical infrastructure. As recently as March 2025, CERT-UA reported multiple attacks linked to the group, which used phishing campaigns and custom malware like the WRECKSTEEL PowerShell stealer to exfiltrate sensitive data.
Addressing the digital battlefield is central to the EU's support strategy. Beyond identifying cyber defense and electronic warfare as priorities, multinational mechanisms involving EU states, such as the Tallinn Mechanism which helps bolster Ukraine's non-military cyber defenses, play a role. EU goals include integrating Ukraine's defense technology base more closely, to foster domestic capabilities in EW and secure communications crucial for digital operations.
Ensuring robust Command, Control, and Communications (C3) is vital. Support for resilient satellite communications, like the German-funded Eutelsat service or the potential future EU IRIS2 constellation, directly addresses this need. EU strategic documents also mention enhancing Ukraine's access to space services. While deliveries of specific EW or C3 equipment often fall under broader military aid packages facilitated by the EU and member states rather than being itemized publicly, the focus on these areas signals their importance in ongoing European support efforts.
This diversification is part of a wider strategic adaptation: European support is increasingly focused on bolstering Ukraine's specific technological needs for the modern battlefield. Recent EU strategic documents clearly identify enhancing Ukraine's capabilities in drones, counter-drone systems, cyber defense, and electronic warfare as key priorities, while leveraging Ukraine's strengths in AI and drones. Alongside this support, defense cooperation frameworks like PESCO aim to integrate Ukraine's defense technology base, potentially leveraging capabilities like operational Cyber Rapid Response Teams, while broader initiatives like the Digital Europe Programme adapt to the security landscape revealed by the war.
The cyber front remains intensely active: Russian-aligned actors continue espionage campaigns targeting Ukrainian state entities and critical infrastructure. As recently as March 2025, CERT-UA reported multiple attacks linked to the group, which used phishing campaigns and custom malware like the WRECKSTEEL PowerShell stealer to exfiltrate sensitive data.
Addressing the digital battlefield is central to the EU's support strategy. Beyond identifying cyber defense and electronic warfare as priorities, multinational mechanisms involving EU states, such as the Tallinn Mechanism which helps bolster Ukraine's non-military cyber defenses, play a role. EU goals include integrating Ukraine's defense technology base more closely, to foster domestic capabilities in EW and secure communications crucial for digital operations.
Ensuring robust Command, Control, and Communications (C3) is vital. Support for resilient satellite communications, like the German-funded Eutelsat service or the potential future EU IRIS2 constellation, directly addresses this need. EU strategic documents also mention enhancing Ukraine's access to space services. While deliveries of specific EW or C3 equipment often fall under broader military aid packages facilitated by the EU and member states rather than being itemized publicly, the focus on these areas signals their importance in ongoing European support efforts.
