Ukraine and Sweden to develop space technologies for defense

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported this via its press service.

During the meeting, the Ukrainian side presented its main achievements in digitalization, which includes the implementation of space policy and strategy in the defense sector.

They specifically mentioned the creation of the Space Policy Department within the Ministry of Defense in March 2025. Ukraine also outlined key defense needs in this area that can be addressed with the help of international partners.

"We have a strong legacy in the space sector, which we’re now modernizing and relaunching to meet current needs. We're also bringing in foreign partners who have more experience and capacity in military space. We're ready to share our own developments gained during combat operations," said Oleksandr Havrutenko, Head of the Space Policy Department in the Defense Sector.

He clarified that in the military space sector, Ukraine will focus on processing data — much of it from partners — rather than scaling up its own hardware.

"Space is a critical domain for our Defense Forces. Satellites will give us stable military communication, our own intelligence capabilities, and a better chance to save lives through early threat warnings. That’s why this area is now a top priority for the Ministry of Defense," said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digitalization.

The head of the Swedish delegation, Lars Helmrich, Director of the Air and Space Systems Department at the Swedish Logistics Agency, also underlined Sweden’s interest in working with Ukraine on space technology, especially considering Ukraine’s real combat experience.

"From my own experience, I can say the space sector is evolving very fast. That means we need to stay flexible and ready to adapt, even when it comes to strategy," Helmrich noted.

He added that Sweden can also help Ukraine connect with other partners, including Nordic countries like Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Iceland.

• At the end of March, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced the creation of a Space Policy Department. Its goal is to unite state and private companies, as well as scientists, to boost cooperation on space technologies for the Armed Forces.