Germany is considering a wide range of military space investments as part of a long-term plan to strengthen its position in orbit, Reuters reported.
The program would reach up to 35 billion euros ($41 billion) and is meant to address what Berlin sees as growing risks from Russia and China in space.
According to German Space Command head Michael Traut, the country plans to deploy an encrypted military satellite network with more than 100 spacecraft over the coming years.
The system, known as SATCOM Stage 4, is designed to provide secure communications and would follow a similar approach to the low-Earth-orbit constellations developed by the US Space Development Agency.
As part of the effort, German defense firm Rheinmetall is reportedly discussing a joint bid with German satellite manufacturer OHB.
Additionally, investments are expected to focus on intelligence satellites, space-based sensors, and non-kinetic capabilities to counter hostile space systems.
These measures may include electronic warfare, directed-energy technologies such as lasers, and actions targeting ground-based command-and-control infrastructure.
Officials have emphasized that Berlin does not plan to deploy systems that physically destroy satellites or generate orbital debris.
Boosting Space Defense
The move builds on recent space-related defense initiatives.
Last year, Rheinmetall and the Finnish company ICEYE secured a 1.7-billion-euro ($1.9 billion) contract with the German Armed Forces to provide space-based reconnaissance through exclusive access to a synthetic-aperture radar satellite constellation.
The program, managed by the Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions joint venture, is scheduled to run through 2030, with options for extension.
In a separate project, Airbus secured a 2.1-billion-euro ($2.27 billion) contract to develop Berlin’s next-generation secure military satellite communications system.
The 15-year SATCOMBw 3 contract covers geostationary satellites, ground infrastructure, launch services, and operational support.
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