Space security is becoming a focus for Germany: Federal Defense Minister Pistorius announces 35 billion euros in investments by 2030.
Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, announced a multi-billion dollar security package for space projects and a space security architecture.
He said that the German federal government intends to invest a total of 35 billion euros in space projects and space security architecture by 2030.
This includes satellites, ground stations and launch capabilities, the Social Democratic politician declared at a space congress of the Federation of German Industry in Berlin.
Future conflicts not only on Earth
In this context, he warned of the threat posed by Russia and China in space. Future conflicts will no longer be limited to Earth, but will also take place in space.
According to Pistorius, German military systems are already being affected by jamming attacks. Therefore, space-based attack capabilities should also be considered. He noted that two Intelsat satellites are currently being tracked by Russian reconnaissance satellites.
Boris Pistorius (SPD), Federal Minister of Defense, looks at his watch before an interviewBoris Pistorius (SPD), Federal Minister of Defense, looks at his watch before an interview
Boris Pistorius (SPD), Federal Minister of DefensePhoto: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa/picture alliance
Pistorius also supported the discussion of offensive capabilities, that is, the possibility of attacking in space if necessary: "Even in space, we must be able to intimidate in order to defend ourselves."
Germany also needs reliable space transport capabilities: "In this regard, we are committed to a combination: small carrier rockets for agile launches, but in the medium term, also heavy European carriers, which stand out from the competition and, above all, must survive it."
The German Armed Forces Space Command will need its own military satellite operations center. Pistorius stated: "Only in this way will we maintain control over our systems and be able to react quickly in the event of an emergency."
DW
