Germany’s military announced a significant investment of 35 billion euros in developing its space military capabilities. The plan involves establishing a military-grade encrypted satellite constellation consisting of over a hundred satellites, as well as the development of cutting-edge technologies such as laser weapons and space planes. Military experts point out that in the context of the strategic shift of the United States towards the East and Europe facing the risk of “strategic blindness,” Germany is compelled to shift from long-term reliance on the United States to strengthening its autonomous space military power. Space has shifted from a realm of scientific research to a military strategic frontier, marking a new phase in the militarization of space in Europe.
According to a report by Reuters, General Michael Traut, the commander of the German Space Command, stated on February 2 that Germany is preparing to invest approximately 35 billion euros (about 41 billion US dollars) in the coming years to develop space military capabilities, including satellite communications and missile early warning systems.
The core project of the plan is “SATCOM Stage 4,” a military-grade encrypted communication satellite constellation consisting of more than 100 low-orbit satellites. The design concept is similar to the structure of the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) and aims to enhance communication security and strengthen missile tracking capabilities.
Traut indicated that since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the strategic competition in space has significantly intensified. He stated that Germany and its allies must have the ability to protect their own space systems and deter potential adversaries when necessary.
According to the German military’s explanation, the plan will prioritize the development of “non-kinetic” counter capabilities to avoid creating a large amount of space debris. Related measures include electronic interference, laser technology, and operational capabilities against enemy ground control stations.
Additionally, Germany plans to develop so-called “inspection satellites,” small spacecraft that can approach and observe other satellites in orbit, used for situational awareness and risk assessment.
This massive expenditure plan is based on Germany’s first “Space Safety and Security Strategy” released by the government in November 2025. The document emphasizes that space has become a crucial domain for strategic competition and power projection, with significant implications for Germany’s security and economic interests.
The strategic document mentions potential threats from China and Russia, including Russia’s anti-satellite missile test in 2021 and China’s continuous development of anti-satellite technology over the past decade. The document notes that China has demonstrated a higher level of close proximity maneuvering capabilities in orbit in recent years.
Su Ziyun, Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies and Resources at the Taiwan Institute for National Defense Security, told Dajiyuan that the three major space powers in the world are the United States, China, and Russia. Space has transitioned from scientific and civilian areas to a military strategic frontier, potentially posing national security risks.
Regarding the reasons for Germany’s policy shift, Su Ziyun believes it is mainly influenced by three factors:
Firstly, U.S. President Trump has repeatedly called on European allies to shoulder more defense responsibilities. Secondly, the uncertainty in U.S.-European relations has deepened Europe’s concerns about U.S. security commitments. Thirdly, the U.S. shift in strategic focus towards the Indo-Pacific region has prompted Europe to enhance its autonomous defense capabilities.
Veteran military commentator Mark told Dajiyuan that the origins of the “space race” can be traced back to the strategic confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. However, with the rapid expansion of China’s space capabilities and the development of anti-satellite technology, the space environment has become highly fragile and dangerous.
Mark further pointed out that Germany has long relied on NATO and the United States for intelligence and space support, with limited military communication and reconnaissance capabilities of its own. Should the U.S. reduce its support, Germany may face the risk of “strategic blindness.”
The war in Ukraine is widely seen as a significant turning point that has prompted Germany and other European countries to reassess their space capabilities. Through satellite reconnaissance and “constellation” systems, the U.S. provides crucial communication and intelligence support to Ukraine, directly impacting the battlefield situation.
Mark emphasized that satellite navigation and low-orbit satellite deployment are structural deficiencies that Europe currently faces. Europe still heavily relies on the U.S. GPS for military navigation, and the related military signals are not fully open to allies, leaving Europe to use easily disrupted civilian signals.
Su Ziyun added that while Europe has the “Galileo” positioning system, it still lacks in military-grade communication and imaging capabilities. In recent years, Germany and the United Kingdom have accelerated the development of such capabilities, with the UK even establishing a dedicated space force. Germany’s policy shift shows Europe’s high vigilance against the authoritarian systems of China and Russia and their militarized space development.
Against the backdrop of accelerated global militarization of space, U.S. President Trump announced the launch of the “Golden Dome” missile defense program in May 2025, which is seen as a reference for allies like Germany in the construction of their space military capabilities.
According to government briefings, the “Golden Dome” system is expected to cost around 175 billion US dollars, combining space and ground-based layered defense systems, with plans for initial deployment by 2028.
As of August 13, 2025, the U.S. Congress has allocated 250 billion US dollars for the “Golden Dome” program in the “Big and Beautiful Act,” with Trump reserving 453 billion US dollars in the 2026 presidential budget specifically for the program.
Mark believes that the United States is vigorously promoting a new round of space military buildup based on the reality of space security. Faced with the growing anti-satellite capabilities of China and Russia, the U.S. can only maintain strategic superiority by increasing investment.
He likened Trump’s “Golden Dome program” to “Star Wars 2.0,” believing that if fully implemented, the program would significantly enhance the U.S. military’s offensive and defensive capabilities in space, creating strong strategic pressure on China and Russia. This also explains why China and Russia have shown a high level of vigilance towards the U.S. military’s space layout.
The German government stated in its “Space Safety and Security Strategy” that space security is not only a matter of national interest but also seen as a significant contribution to NATO’s collective defense.
Mark concluded that as the strongest economy in Europe, Germany may assume greater responsibility in terms of funding and technology to promote the establishment of an independent European space and navigation system. This transformation signifies a new historical stage in Europe’s space strategy.