Europe’s Eutelsat emerges as a viable alternative to Starlink in Ukraine amid fears of losing critical connectivity. With its OneWeb-merged LEO and GEO constellation providing stable, military-grade links, Eutelsat aims to deploy 40,000 terminals. The move aligns with EU defense strategies amid diminishing U.S. support and geopolitical tensions, strengthening ties.
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Europe's Eutelsat Could Potentially Replace Starlink in Ukraine.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine’s communication infrastructure has been severely degraded due to widespread bombing of fixed-line and mobile networks.
Starlink, a satellite-based internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has helped battlefield command-and-control, drone operations (until restricted by SpaceX), and civilian connectivity for contacting relatives.
There is an increasing concern about Ukraine losing access to Starlink—fuelled by geopolitical tensions, including a rift between the U.S. and Ukraine—have intensified investor focus on alternatives like Europe’s Eutelsat.
Eutelsat, a Franco-British company, has seen its stock quadruple since late February 2025, partly due to its confirmed readiness to replace Starlink in Ukraine.
Eutelsat’s CEO stated the company is considering deploying 40,000 terminals in Ukraine, equivalent to current Starlink usage.
The move aligns with the EU’s broader push to strengthen defense ties amid reduced U.S. support, following disputes between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Strengths of Eutelsat
Geopolitical Alignment: As a European entity, Eutelsat aligns with the EU’s strategy to reduce dependency on U.S. systems amid strained transatlantic relations.
Coverage: Post-2023 merger with OneWeb, Eutelsat controls the only operational global LEO constellation outside Starlink, offering comparable coverage in Europe.
Military Suitability: Eutelsat’s higher-altitude LEO satellites (1,200 km) and geostationary satellites provide stable connectivity, critical for military operations where signal reliability is prioritized over pure speed.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Why is "Eutelsat" frequently seen in news headlines? A) Launch of a new satellite for entertainment broadcasting. B) Discussions with the European Union to substitute Starlink in Ukraine. C) Announcing a merger with a major telecommunications company. D) Receiving an award for technological innovation in satellite communication. Answer: B Explanation: Eutelsat is frequently in headlines due to its discussions with the European Union about potentially substituting Starlink in Ukraine. |
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