Germany to Invest €35 Billion in Space Defense and Offensive Capabilities
Germany has announced a €35 billion investment in space defense and offensive capabilities, to be implemented by 2030 – marking its most significant strategic leap in the space domain. The initiative aims to protect German satellites, establish a resilient orbital architecture, and, for the first time, explore offensive space capabilities. Berlin has confirmed that two Russian Luch-Olymp satellites are continuously tracking Intelsat satellites used by the Bundeswehr for strategic communications.
Additionally, according to AFP, 39 Russian and Chinese reconnaissance satellites regularly orbit over Europe, transmitting sensitive images and data in real time. This surveillance reflects a strategy by Moscow and Beijing to “disrupt, jam, manipulate, or even physically destroy satellites,” as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated. Germany views orbital security as essential not only for military operations but also for its economic and digital sovereignty.
On September 25, 2025, in Berlin, Pistorius unveiled Germany’s most ambitious military space program to date. The €35 billion plan, running through 2030, addresses escalating threats from Russia and China in space. Pistorius emphasized, “Russia’s behavior, particularly in space, poses a fundamental threat to us all—a threat we can no longer ignore.” The plan focuses on creating a robust satellite architecture. “Satellite networks are the Achilles’ heel of modern societies,” Pistorius noted. “An attack on them could paralyze entire nations.”
To mitigate this vulnerability, Germany aims to develop redundant, interconnected satellite constellations. These next-generation satellites will ensure continuity of service during attacks or jamming, supporting military communications, observation, navigation, and secure data transmission. The program includes “guardian” satellites to protect and escort strategic assets against threats. Germany will also invest in advanced orbital surveillance systems, such as tracking radars and telescopes, to detect suspicious movements in orbit quickly.
These capabilities will integrate with NATO’s existing programs to form a global network. The most innovative—and controversial—aspect of the plan is Germany’s exploration of offensive space capabilities. Pistorius stated, “We must be able to deter in space to remain defensible.” This shift toward an offensive posture is contentious within NATO but reflects a growing recognition that passive defense alone is insufficient.
According to Bloomberg, authorities are considering options such as jammers for enemy satellites, directed-energy weapons, and electronic neutralization capabilities to deter Moscow and Beijing with credible orbital retaliation. The €35 billion investment will fund: Development of secure satellite constellations; a Bundeswehr space command center to coordinate orbital operations; dual-use (civilian and military) capabilities to optimize investments and engage Germany’s space industry; Hardening of ground and orbital infrastructure against jamming and cyberattacks.
Industrial players like Rheinmetall are potential partners in this initiative. The plan aligns with Germany’s broader military modernization efforts, following the €100 billion special fund announced after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Space has now become a central strategic focus alongside air, naval, and land modernization.
