Commercial space capabilities have emerged as a vital tool in the fight against Russian aggression, providing Ukraine with an unprecedented advantage. The resilience and adaptability of commercial systems have proven to be a game-changer, complicating Russia’s moves and demonstrating the significant benefits of integrating these capabilities into the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Ease of Sharing Data from Commercial Systems
One of the key advantages of commercial space capabilities is the ease with which data can be shared. Unlike classified military systems, commercial data is unclassified, making it easily accessible to allies and partners. In Ukraine, this shareable, actionable data has been a significant contribution from the commercial defense sector.
Commercial Space Capabilities in Action
In the buildup to the conflict, commercial remote sensing data highlighted Russia’s military advances, dispelled Russian disinformation operations, and provided a fact base to unify NATO, other European allies, and global allies. As the war began, commercial space capabilities became instrumental, enabling critical data to be shared in tactically relevant timelines.
- Earth Observation and Imagery: High-resolution Earth observation satellite imagery revealed the movement of Russian troops, equipment, and other critical elements.
- Radio Frequency Intelligence: Space-based radio frequency sensors detected Russian interference with global positioning satellite activities, enabling appropriate counter-responses.
- Broadband Networks: Commercial low-Earth orbit satellite constellations powered broadband services, allowing the Ukrainian military to continue critical communications, command, and control.
The Need for Accelerated Integration
These successes highlight the need for accelerated integration of commercial space capabilities into U.S. diplomatic, strategic, and security architectures. While the government has gradually integrated communications satellites and network services over the last few decades, it has yet to leverage the intelligence capabilities that commercial space offers.
Waiting is Not an Option
Waiting to integrate commercial systems until after a conflict starts will be too late. National security leaders need to begin including commercial systems in relevant mission area architectures and define where and how these capabilities will be used. Failing to do so will weaken our ability to deter and defend against adversaries and limit us to being reactive in a future conflict where every second will matter.
Accelerated Integration: A Path Forward
Accelerating the integration of commercial space capabilities today will allow military operators to refine appropriate tactics, techniques, and procedures before the next conflict begins. Commercial companies bring additive resources to what taxpayers provide, leveraging private capital and bringing rapid innovation to field disruptive capabilities in advance of formal U.S. government contracts.
Investing in Commercial Defense Technologies
Actions to increase investment in commercial defense technologies could dramatically enhance U.S. defense in an era of constrained government defense spending. Using commercial capabilities also strengthens the web of friendly regional alliances by leveraging the global and interoperable nature of the commercial space ecosystem.
A Dynamic Private Sector: A Key Advantage
A dynamic, innovative private sector is one of the advantages the U.S. and its allies possess to compete with China. However, some commercial companies will turn away from defense if it is too difficult to do business with the government. Together, national security leaders from allied nations worldwide need to accelerate the changes necessary to integrate the commercial space sector as a key component of their future defense strategies.
Leadership and Integration
Leaders have seen these capabilities in action in Ukraine and must better integrate commercial space into their defense architectures now to better deter conflict and if necessary, effectively fight and win in the conflicts ahead. National security leaders from allied nations worldwide need to work together to accelerate the integration of commercial space capabilities.
Conclusion
The role of commercial space capabilities in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression has demonstrated their potential as a game-changer in modern warfare. As the U.S. Department of Defense continues to evolve and adapt, it is essential that these capabilities are integrated into its strategic planning to ensure the best possible outcomes for national security.
Recommendations
- Accelerate Integration: National security leaders need to begin including commercial systems in relevant mission area architectures and define where and how these capabilities will be used.
- Invest in Commercial Defense Technologies: Actions to increase investment in commercial defense technologies could dramatically enhance U.S. defense in an era of constrained government defense spending.
- Foster a Dynamic Private Sector: National security leaders from allied nations worldwide need to work together to accelerate the changes necessary to integrate the commercial space sector as a key component of their future defense strategies.
By taking these steps, the United States and its allies can leverage the full potential of commercial space capabilities to enhance national security and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex and dynamic global environment.
