Germany is making one of its biggest defence investments in decades, with €35 billion ($41 billion) earmarked over the next five years to expand military space capabilities. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the plan is aimed at safeguarding the country against growing threats to satellites and cyber networks.
Satellites: “An Achilles’ Heel”
“Satellite networks today are an Achilles’ heel of modern societies. Whoever attacks them paralyzes entire nations,” Pistorius told the Federation of German Industries’ Space Congress in Berlin on 25th September.
He highlighted Russia’s and China’s actions as key reasons behind the decision, pointing to a Russian cyberattack in February 2023 that disabled Viasat satellites and briefly shut down German wind turbines. Pistorius also accused Russian Luch/Olymp satellites of shadowing Intelsat spacecraft used by the German military.
Building a Stronger Space Command
The funding package will support new constellations for reconnaissance, early warning, and communications. Dual-use technology, serving both civilian and defence needs, will also play a major role.
Planned measures include:
Hardened systems to resist cyber and physical attacksNew radar and telescope networks for space situational awarenessSentinel satellites to track threats in orbitRedundant satellite constellations to ensure reliabilityA dedicated military satellite operations centre within Bundeswehr Space Command
Pistorius stressed that cybersecurity upgrades will apply to all space assets. “We are building structures within the Bundeswehr to enable us to effectively defend and deter in space in the medium and long term,” he said.
Industry Partnerships at the Core
Berlin wants both established firms and startups to play a role. “We want to promote innovations from small and medium-sized enterprises in the future in a non-bureaucratic and early stage — and use larger companies as system integrators to integrate small businesses and startups,” Pistorius explained.
Several projects are already underway.
Arianespace will launch two new SATCOMBw Stufe 3 satellites aboard Ariane 6 rockets to replace Germany’s ageing COMSATBw 1 and 2.Planet Labs Germany GmbH announced it will begin producing next-generation Pelican satellites in Germany, following a €240 million government-backed deal for high-resolution imagery.OHB, Germany’s largest space contractor, continues to expand its SARah radar constellation, which replaces the older SAR-Lupe satellites.A Shift in Europe’s Space Balance?
Industry analysts suggest Germany’s move could reshape Europe’s space landscape. Caleb Henry of Quilty Space noted that while France has long been seen as the continent’s leading space power, Berlin is positioning itself for greater independence.
“Germany has discussed its own MEO constellation as well, which would be a notable investment in sovereign space systems,” Henry said. “It’s the culmination of a growing desire in Germany for greater space autonomy, and a willingness to pursue that, if necessary, on an independent basis.”
