"German Starlink" in formation: The German army seeks space dominance
The German armed forces are planning a massive expansion in space, aiming to build powerful satellite systems for communications and reconnaissance. With investments in the billions of euros, the German army (Bundeswehr) seeks to become one of the leading military space players in Europe.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius intends to invest around 35 billion euros in military space projects by 2030. The cyber and information space (Cyber- und Informationsraum – CIR) will play a pivotal role in the design, control, and data analysis of satellites, being a fundamental element in modern military operations.
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the increasing importance of satellites in modern warfare. According to military officials, planning and decision-making cycles have shrunk from days to minutes. Reconnaissance satellites allow for near-instant detection of troop movements, leading to a significant reduction in response times.
The responsibilities of space operations within the German military are divided between two entities. The Space Command of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe Weltraumkommando) is responsible for security and operations in space, while the Cyber and Information Space (CIR) handles technical support, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and secure communications. One of the most notable projects is the creation of a new network of satellites in low Earth orbit, described as a 'military Starlink', which is being developed primarily in collaboration with German companies. Unlike the civilian Starlink, this network will focus on the eastern flank of NATO rather than global coverage.
The German army plans to rely heavily on German industry, including startups, using available commercial technologies to reduce costs and accelerate development. While some components will be imported from partners like the United States, Germany aims to achieve long-term independence, including local capabilities for launching missiles. Currently, the army operates just over ten satellites, and the number is expected to rise to three digits by 2029, positioning Germany as a key partner in intelligence and communications within NATO.