European countries have intensified discussions on reducing dependence on American defense companies after restrictions on the operation of Starlink satellite communications in Ukraine. US allies are increasingly worried about the risks of using critical military technology whose access is controlled by American suppliers.
Bloomberg reported this on October 27, citing European officials familiar with the closed consultations.
According to the agency, the situation around Starlink became one of the important topics at the EU leaders' summit in mid-October. After that, European government officials stepped up discussions on developing their own defense technologies and reducing dependence on individual American companies.
One of the priorities has become creating alternative systems for secure satellite communications. European officials are considering wider use of existing government communication systems while the EU develops its own satellite network.
However, Bloomberg's interlocutors admit that a full replacement of American technologies will require years. Therefore, they consider strengthening European capabilities within existing defense structures, including NATO, as the most realistic short-term option.
The concerns of European allies have been heightened not only by problems with Starlink but also by delays in deliveries of American weapons. Among them are interceptor missiles for Patriot systems intended for Ukraine and HIMARS rocket systems awaited by European countries.
The dispute over Starlink escalated after Elon Musk claimed that Ukraine allegedly violated the rules for using the commercial satellite service by employing it for strike drones. According to the entrepreneur, SpaceX has eliminated the possibility of such use.
The Ukrainian side denies violating the terms of service. In particular, Serhiy Sternenko explained that military operations using mobile satellite terminals were carried out through the specialized Starshield system, access to which is controlled by US government agencies. The question of who exactly initiated the October restrictions remains a subject of conflicting statements.
The European Union already has a secure government satellite communications system, GOVSATCOM, initial services of which have been operating since January 2026. It combines satellite resources of member states and provides access to authorized users.
At the same time, the EU is developing its own satellite constellation IRIS. The first launches of satellites in this network are planned for 2029. Until then, Europe intends to expand GOVSATCOM's capabilities, including engaging commercial providers from 2027.
Ukraine is also seeking European alternatives to American technologies. Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva previously told Euronews that Kyiv is already conducting substantive negotiations with European partners on their own air defense and satellite communications systems.
Similar conclusions have been drawn in Canada as well. Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the Starlink situation demonstrated the risks of over-reliance on a single provider of critical technology. According to him, Ottawa seeks to diversify defense procurement so that access to important systems does not depend on the decisions of a particular company or state.
For now, it is about reviewing approaches to defense procurement and technological cooperation, not about a decision to abandon American equipment. European governments acknowledge that the US will remain a key supplier of many critical military technologies for at least the next few years.
Based on materials from: Bloomberg, European Space Programme, Euronews
