BERLIN, Feb. 3, 2026 — Germany is preparing a 35-billion-euro initiative to develop military space capabilities that include intelligence satellites, secure communication networks, and non-kinetic countermeasures. Officials said the program reflects concerns that have grown since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Major General Michael Traut, commander of the German Space Command, said the project will establish an encrypted constellation of more than 100 satellites over the next several years. This network will support secure communications and tracking functions similar to those operated by the U.S. Space Development Agency. Government and industry sources said the plan marks a significant shift in how Germany treats space, giving orbiting systems roles that extend beyond traditional civilian uses.

Companies such as Rheinmetall are in discussions with German satellite manufacturer OHB about contributing to the project, though details of contracts and timelines remain undisclosed. At the same time, European aerospace firms including Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are exploring alternatives to commercial constellations such as Starlink. Berlin seeks secure systems that remain available if commercial satellites face disruptions or targeted interference.

Response to Global Space Dynamics

German leaders see space as a domain where competition is intensifying and where capabilities must operate reliably amid rising geopolitical tensions. Traut said the Russian invasion and China’s advancements have highlighted the vulnerabilities of space infrastructure when conflicts extend beyond Earth’s surface. Germany’s spending plan will allow the military to operate intelligence satellites that monitor potential adversaries while reducing reliance on foreign systems.

Officials emphasized that procurement will favor domestic and European manufacturers to maintain sovereign capabilities and support local industry. Analysts noted that this decision reflects broader European efforts to ensure that critical defense functions do not depend on non-European assets, even as transatlantic cooperation continues.

Non-kinetic Capabilities and Laws of War

The program will include tools that can disrupt hostile satellites without generating dangerous debris. Technologies under consideration include sensors to detect adversary spacecraft, jamming equipment to interfere with communications, laser systems that affect optical sensors, and inspector satellites capable of manoeuvring near other objects in orbit. Officials stressed that none of these systems are designed to destroy satellites outright and that Germany will avoid devices that could scatter fragments across key orbital regions.

Inspector satellites can observe other spacecraft up close, gathering intelligence or assessing malfunctions, but they also raise questions about acceptable behavior in space. Germany has studied similar operations conducted by Russia and China to develop its systems in compliance with international law. Traut said these technologies will help maintain operational resilience without creating long-term hazards for all operators in orbit.

Industry and Defense Coordination

The program reflects close collaboration between defense planners and aerospace companies, highlighting the need for sustained investment from both public and private sectors. Germany’s defense ministry and interested firms have held discussions on structuring potential partnerships, although formal contracts are not yet public. Officials said competition among suppliers is expected to drive performance and reliability, aligning with Germany’s industrial strategy to maintain sovereign capabilities while working with European partners.

Partnership Structures and Collaboration Models: Officials said potential partnerships could include joint ventures between domestic manufacturers and European aerospace firms. Discussions have explored shared responsibility for satellite design, production, and deployment. Representatives emphasized that collaborative models would allow Germany to leverage expertise across borders while maintaining national oversight of sensitive technologies. This structure also allows smaller companies to participate in the program, widening the pool of innovation available for the constellation and related systems.

Industrial Benefits and European Coordination: Germany’s investment is expected to provide broader benefits for the European aerospace sector. Officials noted that contracts tied to the program could stimulate production, research, and development across multiple countries. Analysts said the scale of Germany’s commitment may prompt other European nations to invest in complementary systems, encouraging interoperability and joint operations in orbit. Coordination with European partners is seen as a way to balance national capabilities with broader security objectives across the continent.

Some analysts predict that Germany’s commitment could influence other European nations to reassess their investments in space and defense. Capitals from Paris to Rome have long debated how to balance national projects with collaborative initiatives under the European Space Agency and NATO. Germany’s large budget may accelerate modernization efforts across Europe and prompt closer coordination on intelligence and defense missions.

Germany’s emphasis on secure communications and non-destructive technologies reflects a growing recognition that space must be integrated into defense planning. Officials said these systems will support military operations while adhering to international norms, providing a model for managing strategic capabilities in orbit without escalating conflicts.