Ukraine has conducted at least three tests of systems designed to intercept targets in near-space. These developments are seen as one way of countering Russian ballistic missiles, in particular the «Oreshnik», whose flight path passes through the upper atmosphere and near-space. At the same time, Kyiv is developing its own satellite infrastructure to reduce its dependence on foreign communications systems. This was announced on 8 November by MP Fedir Venislavskyi, who chairs the Verkhovna Rada’s subcommittee on national security.
- Ukraine has conducted at least three tests of exo-atmospheric target interception systems.
- These developments are designed to counter high-speed threats, in particular the «Oreshnik» missiles.
- The Ukrainian side is considering the possibility of mass production, but funding remains an issue.
- The OBRIA NANO satellite was launched on 1 October and is currently undergoing orbital testing.
Ukraine has carried out three tests of space-based systems
Ukrainian developers are working on systems to intercept targets at altitudes where traditional air defence systems have limited capabilities.
Fyodor Venislavsky confirmed that three tests of such systems had been carried out. According to him, Ukraine has already demonstrated successful launches and is currently exploring the possibility of setting up production.
The systems are designed to intercept threats in near-space. Among the areas of testing, the publication also mentions countering weapons that can be launched from aircraft at extremely high altitudes.
At the same time, the technical specifications of the systems, their range and the results of actual target engagements have not been made public. Therefore, there is currently no basis for claiming that Ukraine already has a fully operational system capable of reliably intercepting Russian missiles «Oreshnik».
Venislavsky acknowledged that the transition from testing to mass production would require significant funding. In the context of a full-scale war, this remains one of the main challenges.
The threat posed by «Oreshnik» is driving the development of new technologies
Russia has deployed «Oreshnik» ballistic missiles on at least three occasions. A distinctive feature of this system is its flight path, which involves the missile entering near-space, followed by the separation of the warhead.
Such threats complicate the operation of missile defence systems and require specialised early-warning and interception capabilities.
According to Venislavsky, the space dimension of the war is already of critical importance to the Ukrainian armed forces. He emphasised that Kyiv must develop its own capabilities not only to obtain satellite data, but also to counter threats from outer space.
Russian launch sites are located beyond the range of some Ukrainian long-range weapons. This is precisely why the development of interception technologies is becoming a distinct area of defence research.
Ukraine has already launched its own OBRIA NANO satellite
Alongside the development of new defence systems, Ukraine is working on establishing an independent satellite communications network.
The first tangible result was the OBRIA NANO satellite, developed as part of a collaboration between the Ukrainian defence and technology company HIMERA and the Danish spacecraft manufacturer GomSpace.
The spacecraft was launched into orbit on 1 October 2026 as part of the mission SpaceX Transporter-18. The company officially announced that he had started work on 27 October.
OBRIA NANO is a test satellite designed to validate the technologies for Ukraine’s future communications system. It is operated by a Ukrainian operator, and the results of the in-orbit tests are set to form the basis for the creation of a fully-fledged network.
The Ukrainian satellite network may comprise around 245 satellites
The planned Ukrainian satellite constellation could comprise around 245 satellites. However, HIMERA and GomSpace have not yet officially announced the final number of satellites, the timeline for the network’s deployment or its funding.
The aim of the OBRIA project is to provide Ukraine with its own satellite communication channels, which will complement existing European systems.
One of the key motivations is to reduce dependence on foreign providers, primarily Starlink. Recent speed restrictions on satellite internet and disruptions to access to certain space-based services have highlighted the risks to military command and control.
Looking ahead, the companies plan to localise the production of satellites and ground terminals in Ukraine. This should enable them to gradually expand their own technological capabilities and establish an independent communications infrastructure to meet the needs of the state and the defence sector.
