Geraman Defense Minister Boris Pistoriu speaking in Berlin on Sept. 25. Photo: BMVg
Germany is planning to invest 35 billion euro ($41 billion) in space defense capabilities by 2030, Defense Minister Boris Pistoriu announced this week.
In a speech in Berlin at the Space Congress of the Federation of German Industries (FDI), Pistoriu said Germany is investing in a resilient space structure consisting of satellite constellations, ground stations, secure launch capabilities, and services for reconnaissance, communication, and protection.
This includes hardening systems against attacks, improved awareness, redundancies through several networked satellite constellations, and a dedicated military satellite operations center in the Bundeswehr Space Command.
“We plan to acquire new satellite constellations – for early warning, reconnaissance, and communications. We will also utilize dual-use systems, meaning technologies that can be deployed for both civilian and military purposes,” Pistoriu said, according to a translated announcement of his speech.
He also highlighted the importance of launch capabilities including small launch vehicles and European heavy-lift carriers.
Pistoriu was open about the threat in space, saying that states must actively protect and defend their interests in space, and that Germany’s Bundeswehr systems are being affected by jamming attacks.
He talked about China and Russia expanding capabilities for warfare in space, noting that there are “no borders or continents” in space, and “Russia and China are our direct neighbors there.”
“The conflicts of the future will no longer be limited to the Earth’s surface or the deep sea. They will also be fought openly in orbit,” the Defense Minister said.
Pistoriu also emphasized building a security architecture working with European and transatlantic partners, and existing NATO and EU programs.