Czechia to Gift Earth Observation Satellite to Ukraine in Landmark Support Initiative

Czechia has announced plans to build and deliver a state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite to Ukraine — a first-of-its-kind gesture that underscores both Czech technological capability and ongoing solidarity with Kyiv amid the ongoing war.

“This demonstrates not only the technological excellence of Czech companies in one of the most demanding sectors but also our continued support for Ukraine,” the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on X.

According to the ministry, the satellite will be capable of gathering imagery and data regardless of weather conditions or time of day. The Czech Ministry of Transport confirmed that the project will be launched in the coming months, with deployment expected within a year. Once operational, it will become part of a growing constellation aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s digital infrastructure and resilience.

Czech firms with experience in aerospace engineering and small satellite systems will design and assemble the spacecraft. It will feature advanced radar imaging (SAR), optical sensors, radiation detectors, and radio frequency spectrum monitoring, enabling precise surveillance of the Earth’s surface, even during nighttime or cloud cover.

The initiative builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding between the Czech Ministry of Transport and Ukraine’s State Space Agency and forms part of the Czech government’s Ukraine Reconstruction Programme, jointly implemented by the Ministries of Transport, Foreign Affairs, and Industry and Trade.

“The gifting of a satellite is a concrete expression of our solidarity and determination to help Ukraine build its digital infrastructure and strengthen its operational sovereignty and resilience,” said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. “It is an investment in Ukraine’s future — and in the stability and security of Europe.”

“Czechia is demonstrating its ability to design and deliver advanced technologies that make a real difference — whether in security, infrastructure reconstruction or civil protection,” added Transport Minister Martin Kupka.

The announcement comes just days after the populist ANO party, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, won the largest share of votes in Czech parliamentary elections. Babiš, who has previously criticized defense aid to Ukraine, recently softened his stance, stating he would not oppose deliveries of Czech weapons to Kyiv as long as they do not burden the state budget.

Nevertheless, he has urged the outgoing government to avoid making “major decisions” before the new administration is formed — a comment that adds political tension to one of Prague’s most ambitious support projects for Ukraine yet.