Dutch Satellite Push Targets Enemy Radar To Sharpen Ukraine’s Battlefield Edge

The Dutch space industry has presented a detailed proposal to help Ukraine more quickly and effectively from space by launching advanced satellite systems.

State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman received the proposal, titled Military Use of Space, today in The Hague. The plan focuses on rapidly building satellites capable of detecting radar and communication systems from orbit. This capability would allow Ukraine to pinpoint potential threats and enemy positions, providing crucial intelligence on the battlefield.

Tuinman had earlier asked the industry for a fast-tracked solution. He emphasized that the project is not only intended to support Ukraine but also to strengthen the Netherlands’ own intelligence-gathering capacity. The Dutch Defence Space Security Centre has shown interest in expanding satellite capacity to ensure the Netherlands can independently collect military intelligence.

“The urgency is great, and we all realize that,” Tuinman said after receiving the proposal. “Money, knowledge and resources go hand in hand.”

The proposal was developed by five key players in the Dutch space sector. FSO, a company specializing in laser satellite communication—developed together with Defence and the research organization TNO—plays a central role. VDL-ETG is working on serial satellite production, while ISISPACE is already developing satellites for Defence. TNO and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) are permanent knowledge partners, and S[&]T, a technical firm, brings expertise in antennas, data processing, and positioning, navigation, and timing.