HCSS's Tim Sweijs on Ukraine War Lessons for European Space and Defence Strategy
By
Patrick Willemsen
Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, baked to perfection. Worth every minute at the bakery.
Summary
Dr. Tim Sweijs of HCSS spoke at SmallSat Europe 2026 about lessons from the war in Ukraine for Europe's space and defence posture. Four years into Russia's full-scale invasion, the conflict demonstrates how commercial satellite services have become integral to modern warfare, while also creating new strategic dependencies. Sweijs argued that Europe needs resilient and diversified space architectures to support security, deterrence, and resilience, as the war has reshaped thinking on commercial space integration, military procurement, and the convergence between space and defence.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledCommercial space capabilities have become integral to modern warfare, while also creating new strategic dependencies.
The lessons from Ukraine underscore the need for resilient and diversified space architectures capable of supporting security, deterrence and resilience.
The conflict has reshaped thinking on commercial space integration, military procurement and the growing convergence between space and defence.
You might also wanna read
Russia's Satellite Interception Campaign Threatens NATO Orbital Infrastructure
European intelligence reports reveal Russia has conducted aggressive satellite interceptions targeting at least 17 key European satellites o
news.satnews.com·4mo ago
Russian Molniya-Orbit Satellites Identified as Source of Widespread GNSS Interference Across Europe and North America
This paper analyzes a space-based GNSS interference source that has caused powerful wide-area interference events across continental Europe,
arxiv.org·2d ago
Modern warfare's shifting dynamics: Why air superiority no longer guarantees victory
The article examines how modern warfare has evolved, challenging traditional assumptions about air superiority. Drawing on insights from mil
economist.com·6d agoModern warfare's shifting dynamics: Why air superiority no longer guarantees victory
The article examines how modern warfare has evolved, challenging traditional assumptions about air superiority. Drawing on insights from mil
economist.com·6d ago
Assessing the Feasibility of a 'Drone Wall' Defense System Against Russian Attacks
The article examines the feasibility and implications of creating a 'drone wall' defense system against Russian drone attacks, using Ukraine
bbc.co.uk·6mo ago
Global Militaries Developing Independent Satellite Networks to Replace Starlink Dependence
The article discusses how Starlink's satellite internet constellation provides crucial battlefield communications advantages but poses risks
newscientist.com·2mo ago
PLA-affiliated researchers argue Starlink militarization threatens global strategic stability
Two researchers from the PLA-affiliated National University of Defense Technology argue that Starlink's military applications will negativel
interpret.csis.org·2mo ago