Ukraine is actively using satellite constellations from Western countries and private companies to support intelligence and communications needs during the conflict. As research by the US Army Strategic Studies Institute shows, the scale of support is impressive, and technology plays a key role in modern conflict.

According to reports, in the first two weeks of military operations, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) received images covering about 40 million square kilometers. This was achieved by using a group of about 600 satellites, including government and private systems. One of the largest suppliers is the American company Planet Labs, which has 200 satellites capable of covering the entire territory of Ukraine daily. Such data is cited by the Military Chronicle.

The data is processed by AI companies such as Black Sky and Palantir, which provide rapid analysis and data integration. Canada's MDA Space also provides military-grade imagery, originally specializing in geological exploration.

The key element remains Starlink broadband internet, which has reduced the data transfer time between satellites and ground units to two minutes. However, Russia has learned to block the outgoing signal of Starlink terminals and track their location. In September 2022, the company temporarily switched off 1,3 thousand terminals, which led to an increase in the cost of services for Ukraine.

Experts note that commercial satellite companies are effectively acting as private military contractors, providing the Ukrainian Armed Forces with critical data. This makes them legitimate military targets, which is already being discussed in the context of international law.

Interestingly, satellite technology is not only used on the battlefield. Radio frequency data is used to track the movements of sanctioned merchant ships, making satellite intelligence a tool in economic warfare.