U.S. Allies Accelerate Efforts to Develop Alternatives to SpaceX Starlink

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 26, 2026

Several U.S. allies are stepping up efforts to develop independent satellite networks after concerns arose over reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink, especially following SpaceX-imposed restrictions affecting Ukraine’s military communications. While alternatives like Europe’s OneWeb exist, they currently lack the capacity and adaptability of Starlink, prompting substantial investments by countries such as Germany and France to build sovereign space infrastructure for enhanced security and autonomy.

Concerns over reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network have prompted several U.S. allies to accelerate efforts to develop independent alternatives, especially as the system plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. Recent restrictions imposed by SpaceX on Ukraine's use of Starlink have raised alarms among European governments and U.S. lawmakers, highlighting vulnerabilities due to Musk’s unilateral control over the network.

Poland, a key financial supporter of Ukraine’s access to Starlink, voiced sharp criticism through its Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who warned against the politicization of critical technology. “The more you play politics with your products, the more you damage your brand,” Sikorski said in a public message addressed to Musk, following reports of connectivity issues that jeopardized Ukraine’s operations on the battlefield. This sentiment was echoed in the United States, where Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, cautioned against overdependence on a single provider or individual for vital communications infrastructure.

Despite these concerns, viable alternatives to Starlink remain limited. The most prominent competitor in Europe is OneWeb, owned by the French company Eutelsat. OneWeb currently operates around 650 satellites and aims to expand its constellation to approximately 1,300 by 2030, backed by a recent 1-billion-euro contract with aerospace giant Airbus. In comparison, Starlink operates a fleet exceeding 11,000 satellites, offering significant coverage and capacity advantages.

However, OneWeb’s technology is less adapted for frontline military use, relying on bulkier and more expensive ground terminals, which presents logistical challenges in conflict zones like Ukraine. Additionally, European and Canadian financial commitments to developing satellite communication alternatives remain modest relative to SpaceX’s estimated $2 trillion market valuation.

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has pledged approximately $40 billion toward space-related defense initiatives by 2030. This budget encompasses investments in orbital surveillance, a dedicated satellite operations center, and plans for a national constellation with over 100 satellites. Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron has substantially increased France’s space defense budget to around $11 billion by the end of the decade, marking a 70% rise from previous allocations.

Industry leaders highlight the strategic necessity of independent space infrastructure. Ketil Olsen, CEO and president of Andøya Space, emphasized Europe’s dependence on external capabilities as a critical vulnerability exposed by recent events. “If you don’t have your own capacity, you can’t control the data,” Olsen said, underscoring the importance of establishing sovereign satellite and launch capabilities to safeguard security and operational autonomy.

As geopolitical tensions persist, the drive by U.S. allies to reduce dependence on Starlink and enhance their own satellite communications systems is gaining momentum, although the path to a fully operational alternative remains challenging and resource-intensive.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.