Europe seeks intelligence alternatives to the US for Ukraine support

The vast military intelligence capabilities of the United States grant the White House a decisive role over Ukraine and Europe, both of which rely on this data.

NATO member countries are working to reduce this dependence and achieve a more autonomous structure.

It is known that Donald Trump previously halted intelligence sharing to pressure Ukraine into a peace agreement with terms favorable to Russia.

The US side has indicated that a similar step could be taken if Kyiv does not accept the latest plan prepared by Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriyev.

Although the positions of Kyiv and Washington have converged following the talks in Switzerland, European countries are seeking ways to reduce their intelligence dependence on the US, according to Politico.

NATO official highlights commercial alternatives

James Appathurai, the interim director of NATO’s defense innovation program DIANA, told Politico that US capabilities are unique and indispensable, even within the NATO context.

However, Appathurai stated that there are now suitable commercial options available on the market for every country, and these capabilities did not exist a few years ago.

Among these options, satellite imaging services used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to detect the intentions of Russian forces and identify targets are prominent.

Appathurai noted that the Finnish-based company ICEYE, initially established to monitor glaciers, now offers intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance services.

The company sells satellites to the armies of Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Portugal, while also providing data to Ukraine.

Finland increases its satellite capacity

Announcing the agreement in July, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated, “We are strengthening our independent capabilities in space intelligence and surveillance, while also supporting our domestic high-tech defense industry.”

ICEYE operates the world’s largest fleet of 54 SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites. This technology allows for the acquisition of much higher-resolution (25 cm) images compared to physical antennas.

The satellites can provide a near-real-time data stream day or night, even in adverse weather conditions.

Trump’s decisions increased demand

ICEYE Vice President Joost Alstak told Defense News that European interest in the company increased after Trump suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March.

Alstak noted that there are currently 5 to 10 government satellites managed by the company in orbit, with plans to launch another 10-15 satellites in the next two years.

Another factor triggering the search for alternatives was Elon Musk’s mention last spring of the possibility of cutting off Ukraine’s Starlink satellite internet access.

EU plans to integrate national resources

Andrius Kubilius, the European Union’s Commissioner for Defence and Space, acknowledged that they have fallen behind in some systems, citing the Starlink example.

Kubilius stated that the EU is currently working to integrate national space resources to support Ukraine, emphasizing his belief that Europe can assist Ukraine in this regard.

“If Ukraine wants to continue resisting, it will do so,” Kubilius said.

Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff addresses the adaptation process

Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, told Politico that without US intelligence support, gaps would emerge in areas such as long-range precision strikes into Russian territory.

Carignan stated that alternative ways to help Ukraine could be found, adding:

“Some of these tasks can be solved with drones and other methods. American technologies may no longer be accessible, but we will have to adapt and utilize other capabilities.”