Ukrainian officials are pushing the European Union to provide reliable satellite alternatives as concerns grow over Starlink’s future access. The request comes after tech billionaire Elon Musk, who controls the Starlink system, threatened to cut Ukraine’s connectivity—posing a serious risk to both military and civilian communication networks in the country.

Starlink, owned by Musk’s company SpaceX, is the main satellite system used by Ukraine to coordinate battlefield operations and keep internet services running. Any disruption could cause major problems for troops on the frontlines and affect access to information for millions of citizens.

Security experts and EU lawmakers now see the situation as a growing strategic threat, especially as Musk’s decisions remain unpredictable.

EU Explores Satellite Backup Systems for Ukraine

French Member of the European Parliament Christophe Grudler says the EU has backup options that could step in if Starlink goes offline. He highlighted GovSatCom, a European government-controlled satellite program designed to provide secure communication services.

“GovSatCom can cover gaps if needed, starting from June,” said Grudler. He noted that Ukraine has already shown interest in joining the program, which is supported by all EU member states. The system was originally built to serve public-sector users, such as emergency services and government institutions.

However, experts warn that GovSatCom cannot fully meet Ukraine’s needs in a high-intensity warzone. Arthur De Liedekerke, a senior adviser with deep knowledge of European defense networks, said, “GovSatCom is useful, but it can’t replace the battlefield communication power of Starlink. It’s not a silver bullet.”

Eutelsat: A European Alternative with Challenges

Another option gaining attention is Eutelsat, a Franco-British satellite firm that operates both low and geostationary satellites. Eutelsat currently has around 630 satellites in space and 35 more in higher orbits. It has already deployed 2,000 communication terminals in Ukraine and plans to send another 14,000 soon.

Still, Starlink’s reach remains far greater, with approximately 7,000 satellites in orbit and about 40,000 active terminals in Ukraine. One major drawback of Eutelsat is cost. Each of its units costs roughly €9,000, compared to Starlink’s €500 per unit.

Despite the price, Eutelsat is viewed as more politically stable since it is not under U.S. private control. “Eutelsat is our European champion,” said De Liedekerke. “We must give it strong political and financial support.”

The need to reduce reliance on a single foreign provider has become a top concern for EU leaders, especially as the war in Ukraine continues.

Iris2: Europe’s Long-Term Satellite Strategy

Looking beyond short-term solutions, the EU has also launched a major project called Iris2. This satellite constellation is expected to provide independent and secure European communication services by the end of the decade. The system will include 290 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits and offer ultra-secure, high-speed connections.

The EU awarded a 12-year contract for Iris2 to a large group of companies under the name SpaceRISE. This group includes major players such as Eutelsat, SES, Airbus, OHB, Thales, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Hispasat.

According to Grudler, Iris2 could start partial operations as early as 2028, two years ahead of the original target. It will also be the first network in the world to feature post-quantum encryption—offering protection against future cyberattacks and improving on current satellite security levels.

“This will be a game-changer for European communications,” said Grudler. “Unlike Starlink, this system will not rely on one private actor.”

Urgent Call for Redundancy and Resilience

While Iris2 offers hope for long-term independence, both EU lawmakers and security experts agree that immediate action is still needed. “We can’t afford to wait until 2030 to fix this problem,” said De Liedekerke. “Relying on one man, one system, in a war zone is unacceptable.”

He called on European leaders to invest in satellite diversity and support companies that can offer backup services. “We must create redundancy. That’s the only way to ensure resilience—and Ukraine deserves nothing less.”

The growing concern around Starlink has pushed Europe to rethink its entire approach to satellite communication. With the war ongoing and digital infrastructure under constant threat, Ukraine’s call for support may be the wake-up call Europe needs.