Satellite-Related Tenders in Ukraine – Overview and Analysis (2016–2025)

Below is a sorted overview of major Ukrainian tenders (2016–2025) related to satellite communications and equipment, from highest to lowest budget (values converted to USD at current rates). Each entry includes the tender’s title, scope, budget (original currency and USD), procuring organization (with sector), timeline, participants (if known), and the strategic or industrial significance.

Military Unit K1412 – Multi-Channel Signal Receiver Systems (“Skywer MR2”)

• Scope & Objectives: Procurement of special multi-channel receivers capable of analog/digital conversion, analysis, demodulation and decoding of satellite signals (“Skywer MR2”). These systems are intended to intercept and process satellite communications, likely enhancing signals intelligence capabilities. Two large lots (12 and 8 units respectively) were tendered to equip this military unit with a total of 20 such devices.
• Budget: 16,800,000 ₴ + 12,800,000 ₴ (combined 29.6 million UAH, ~$720,000). Each lot was procured via open bidding in October 2024 youcontrol.com.ua youcontrol.com.ua. An additional smaller purchase in early 2025 (3 units for ~5.03 million ₴) further expanded this capability youcontrol.com.ua.
• Procuring Organization: Military Unit “K1412” (Lviv region) – a unit of the Ministry of Defense (public sector).
• Timeline: Tenders announced 01 Oct 2024, bids due mid-Oct; contracts awarded 24 Oct 2024 youcontrol.com.ua youcontrol.com.ua. The follow-up purchase was contracted 02 Apr 2025 youcontrol.com.ua.
• Participants & Contractors: Lviv-based tech firm ATIKA-IT LLC was the supplier for the 2024 contracts (winning bids of 16.7976 m ₴ and 12.7968 m ₴) youcontrol.com.ua youcontrol.com.ua. This suggests a domestic source for the Skywer MR2 systems. (The 2025 mini-tender for 3 units was likely a negotiated award, also fulfilled by ATIKA-IT.)
• Significance: These procurements substantially boost Ukraine’s ability to monitor and intercept satellite communications. In the context of the ongoing conflict, such equipment is strategically vital for intelligence (e.g. eavesdropping on enemy satellite phones or data links). The investment also indicates development of local industry expertise (the supplier is domestic), which is important for security and self-reliance.

Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) – “Skywer MR2” Satellite Signal Intercept Stations

• Scope & Objectives: Purchase of Skywer MR2 multi-channel satellite signal interception systems (similar to the above). The Intelligence Service acquired 9 units of Skywer MR2, aiming to enhance national signals intelligence and satellite signal analysis capabilities.
• Budget: 12,300,000 ₴ (approx. $295,000). The tender (announced April 30, 2024) was an open bidding with an expected cost of 12.3 m UAH dzo.com.ua dzo.com.ua. It was successfully completed by June 11, 2024 after evaluation.
• Procuring Organization: Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (Служба зовнішньої розвідки) – a government intelligence agency.
• Timeline: Announced 30 Apr 2024, proposals closed 08 May, and the contract was awarded in June 2024 dzo.com.ua dzo.com.ua.
• Participants: Details of bidders are limited, but the process was competitive. (Given the specialized nature, likely only a few qualified suppliers participated. The winning bid matched the expected value, indicating perhaps a sole compliant bidder near the budget).
• Significance: This investment bolsters Ukraine’s intelligence-gathering infrastructure. By acquiring modern satellite signal receivers, the agency can intercept and decode satellite transmissions – crucial for strategic surveillance and obtaining military or diplomatic intelligence. It underscores Ukraine’s focus on electronic intelligence in the face of high-tech communications used in the region.

Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) – Signal Interception Receivers (Classified Procurement)

• Scope & Objectives: Acquisition of signal reception units (likely satellite signal or radio signal receivers) – 4 high-end signal receivers intended for covert interception of satellite or other communication signals. The tender description (“Приймач сигналів”) suggests a focus on capturing and processing signal feeds.
• Budget: 10,824,000 ₴ (approx. $260,000). This procurement was done without using the electronic system (a non-public/negotiated procedure), likely due to secrecy【35†】. The amount indicates a significant investment for four units (about 2.7 m ₴ each).
• Procuring Organization: Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) – government sector. (Kyiv-based)
• Timeline: Published late November 2024, with direct contracting instead of open bids. It was completed by the end of 2024. (No public bidding phase due to the sensitive nature.)
• Participants: Not publicly disclosed. The contract was probably awarded to a trusted supplier directly.
• Significance: This emphasizes classified capacity-building for Ukraine’s intelligence. Procuring such receivers via a closed process suggests they might be cutting-edge or sensitive technology for intercepting enemy communications. It highlights an urgent wartime need to rapidly deploy intelligence equipment without lengthy tender delays.

Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) – Satellite Communication System Kit

• Scope & Objectives: Procurement of equipment for satellite communication systems (1 kit) to enable secure or independent comms. The item likely includes a satellite communication station or terminal capable of providing broadband connectivity (possibly a transportable VSAT or similar). The tender may cover hardware and initial service to establish a satellite link.
• Budget: 9,999,816 ₴ (almost 10 million UAH, ~$240,000). This open tender was announced in March 2025 opendatabot.ua opendatabot.ua. It closed by end of March with one or more bids, finishing in April 2025. The final contract price was about 9.999 m ₴.
• Procuring Organization: Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) – government.
• Timeline: Published 19 Mar 2025, completed by 30 Apr 2025 opendatabot.ua opendatabot.ua.
• Participants & Contractor: There was at least one bidder – LLC “Ukrainian Microwave Technologies” (UMT) – which appears to have participated (and likely won) opendatabot.ua. UMT is a Kyiv-based private company specializing in communications hardware (notably, its core business is manufacturing comms equipment). The limited competition suggests this niche supplier fulfilled the order.
• Significance: For the intelligence service, a dedicated satellite communication kit provides a secure channel independent of terrestrial internet – crucial for resiliency and confidentiality. Strategically, it could be used for connecting headquarters with field operatives or retrieving data where regular networks are compromised. The involvement of a domestic manufacturer (UMT) also reflects growing local capability in advanced communications tech.

Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) – Multi-Channel Communication/Intercept Complex

• Scope & Objectives: Purchase of a “multi-channel complex” (2 kits) related to telecommunications satellite equipment. While exact details are scant, the description suggests an integrated system capable of handling multiple satellite communication channels simultaneously. This could be a mobile communication hub or an interception complex that can process multiple signals in parallel.
• Budget: 9,000,000 ₴ (approx. $217,000). This procurement (late 2024) was done via a non-electronic negotiated procedure, hinting at its sensitive nature【42†】. The cost covers 2 complete sets (4.5 m ₴ per set).
• Procuring Organization: Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) – government.
• Timeline: Announced 11 Nov 2024 and completed shortly thereafter through direct contracting (no open auction).
• Participants: Not publicly available due to the closed method. It’s likely the agency contracted a specialized supplier directly.
• Significance: Such a complex would significantly enhance the throughput and flexibility of Ukraine’s satellite communication or interception infrastructure. Being multi-channel, it can manage several satellite links or intercepts at once – important for handling the high volume of communications in a conflict scenario. It illustrates continued investment in communications dominance and secure links for intelligence or military use.

JSC “Ukrgazvydobuvannya” – Starlink Satellite Internet Kits for Remote Sites

• Scope & Objectives: Procurement of Starlink satellite internet kits to provide high-speed internet connectivity via satellite. Ukrgazvydobuvannya – the state-owned gas extraction company – sought 181 Starlink terminal sets (with ~3 months service) to support communications at remote gas facilities or during outages. This ensures operational connectivity even if ground networks fail (a known risk due to warfare).
• Budget: 7,900,650 ₴ (around $190,000). This tender (late Dec 2024) was for 181 kits【49†】. It concluded with competitive bidding: the initial price ~7.95 m ₴ was driven down to a winning bid of about 7.2 million ₴ auctions.prozorro.gov.ua, indicating multiple suppliers participated. (Two similar tenders in Sep and Nov 2024, budgeted at 6.84 m and 8.31 m ₴ for 181 kits each, were announced but ultimately canceled, possibly consolidated into this successful procurement.)
• Procuring Organization: JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannya – Ukraine’s largest natural gas producer (state-owned enterprise, energy sector).
• Timeline: Announced 30 Dec 2024, auction held in January 2025. The auction had several rounds, with the lowest bid at 6.86 m ₴, and the contract awarded at 7.199999 m ₴ by early 2025 auctions.prozorro.gov.ua.
• Participants & Contractor: At least two bidders took part, given the descending bids. The identity of the winner is not explicitly stated, but likely an authorized Starlink distributor or tech supplier in Ukraine. (Starlink equipment is generally sourced via SpaceX’s channels or local partners; the competitive price reduction suggests genuine market competition.)
• Significance: This is a key example of leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink constellation for critical infrastructure. By equipping hundreds of remote sites or operational units with satellite internet, Ukrgazvydobuvannya mitigates the risk of connectivity loss due to telecom outages or sabotage. Strategically, during wartime, it keeps the energy sector’s communications resilient. It also highlights Starlink’s broad adoption in Ukraine for both military and civilian needs, underscoring its geopolitical role in maintaining connectivity【49†】.

Ukrgasbank (State Bank) – 100 Starlink Internet Systems for Network Resilience

• Scope & Objectives: Supply of 100 units of networking equipment for Starlink internet, including hardware and warranty service, to Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrgasbank. This enables the bank’s branches and critical operations to stay online via satellite if terrestrial internet is disrupted. Essentially, it’s a backup communication solution using Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellite broadband.
• Budget: 5,677,000 ₴ (no VAT, approx. $140,000). The purchase equates to about ₴56.77k per kit (roughly $1.5k each), which likely covered Starlink terminal hardware plus a pre-paid service period prozorro.gov.ua. The tender was executed as a direct procurement (without open bidding) in late 2022, during intense wartime attacks on infrastructure.
• Procuring Organization: PJSC “AB Ukrgasbank” – a major Ukrainian bank (public sector entity). Notably, Ukrgasbank is not a typical government budget institution, but it followed public procurement practices for this strategic purchase.
• Timeline: Announced 19 Dec 2022 and marked completed (contract signed) by that month prozorro.gov.ua. Delivery and installation were planned by May 1, 2023 prozorro.gov.ua. The urgency and direct award method were likely due to wartime exigency.
• Participants & Contractor: Being a non-competitive procedure, the bank likely procured directly from an authorized Starlink distributor. (The documentation doesn’t list bidders; it was a negotiated deal to rapidly obtain the equipment.)
• Significance: This procurement shows how critical financial infrastructure was safeguarded with satellite communications. By deploying 100 Starlink sets, Ukrgasbank ensured that even under power or internet blackouts, it could maintain online services and coordination (vital for the economy and civilian morale). It reflects a broader trend of Ukrainian institutions investing in satellite internet as a resilience measure prozorro.gov.ua.

Other Notable Tenders and Uses of Satellite Technology

• Regional Authorities (Defense/Admin): The Zaporizhzhia Regional Administration (Defense Support Department) procured Starlink equipment to support local defense forces. For example, in 2023–2024 it purchased Starlink Internet Satellite Dish kits (Roam) and Starlink Gen3 Standard kits worth about 5.0 million ₴ each zakupivli.pro. These terminals were distributed to military units, hospitals, and other critical services in Zaporizhzhia, indicating a decentralized effort to bolster communications for defense and emergency needs. Local government investment in Starlink underscores its importance in areas heavily affected by combat.
• National Space Center: The National Center for Control and Testing of Space Means (NCCUISM) under the State Space Agency has acquired equipment to enhance Ukraine’s own satellite capabilities. In 2020, it tendered a software-hardware complex “Reception, Demodulation and Decoding of Information from Earth Observation Satellites” for about 2.8 million ₴ opendatabot.ua. This complex is essentially a modern ground station module to receive data (imagery, telemetry) from Earth observation spacecraft. It was successfully delivered by a domestic tech company in 2020, and an updated module (~1.63 m ₴ in 2021) was later added. Significance: These upgrades improve Ukraine’s capacity to directly download satellite imagery (e.g. from its Sich-2-30 EO satellite or allied satellites) for intelligence and mapping, rather than relying on foreign ground stations. Strengthening ground infrastructure has geopolitical value as it enables independent access to critical geospatial information.
• Security and Emergency Services: Smaller-scale procurements show that satellite comms are used across various services. For instance, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Mykolaiv region bought a mobile satellite communication kit in 2018 (89,000 ₴), and units of the State Emergency Service in 2020 obtained mobile satellite terminals (96,000 ₴ each) for disaster response communications【61†】. These portable kits (likely BGAN or Thuraya/IP satellite terminals pre-dating Starlink availability) provided backup voice/data links for first responders and security officers. This early adoption signaled recognition that reliable comms in field operations (especially in remote or war-damaged areas) can be life-saving. By 2022–2023, Starlink largely superseded older satcom systems due to its higher bandwidth, but the pattern of procurements illustrates an ongoing, nationwide drive to equip critical personnel with satellite connectivity.

Each of the above tenders, whether for intelligence-gathering equipment or satellite internet access, demonstrates Ukraine’s strategic prioritization of satellite technologies. These investments have geopolitical significance: they enhance national security (through better intelligence and resilient comms), ensure continuity of government and economic functions under duress, and foster a degree of technological self-reliance (by involving domestic contractors and infrastructure). Overall, Ukraine’s procurement of satellite-related systems since 2016 reflects an adaptive response to emerging threats and a commitment to modernizing its communications and space capabilities. youcontrol.com.ua prozorro.gov.ua

Sources: Relevant tender data and documents from Prozorro public procurement platform, Dozorro/Opentender analytical portals, and the provided tender report file were used to compile the above analysis dzo.com.ua opendatabot.ua. The information includes official tender titles, budgets in Ukrainian Hryvnia, conversion to USD (mid-2025 rates), and details from contract awards and participant info where available. These illustrate how Ukraine is leveraging satellite technology across defense, intelligence, energy, finance, and emergency sectors to strengthen its operational resilience and strategic advantages.