Germany warns on Russian space ambitions as satellites shadow military assets and nuclear-weapon in space fears grow

Germany's defence minister warned that Moscow's space activity poses an expanding threat to military satellites, telling a space conference in Berlin that two Russian spy satellites have shadowed Intelsat systems used by German forces and other partners. Boris Pistorius said Russia and China have rapidly expanded capabilities for warfare in space in recent years, with the ability to disrupt satellite operations, blind or manipulate satellites, or even destroy them kinetically. He stressed the need for talks on developing offensive space capabilities as a deterrent, pointing to Russia's use of two Luch Olymp satellites to track Intelsat assets. The defence minister warned that the Kremlin could deploy nuclear weapons in space and said Germany would spend billions to shield its satellites from attack, with a planned budget around £31 billion. He urged NATO allies to consider building similar offensive capabilities in orbit.

Germany will invest about £31 billion in space projects to strengthen military space systems against sabotage, Pistorius said, part of a broader push to harden critical assets and deter potential adversaries. He noted that two of Russia's Luch Olymp satellites have tracked Intelsat satellites used by German forces and other allies, a development he described as a direct challenge to allied space-based operations. In his remarks, Pistorius underscored that the security of communication, navigation and reconnaissance satellites is essential to modern military operations, and he framed space assets as a domain that must be defended and, if necessary, offset with capable deterrence in orbit.

The comments coincide with growing discussion about space as a potential battleground, including calls for international norms and more resilient architectures that can withstand jamming, spoofing and other interference. In parallel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged world powers to help stop the war in Ukraine or risk triggering a dangerous arms race across multiple domains. At the United Nations General Assembly, he warned that delaying peace could spur a rapid buildup of military technologies, including drones capable of carrying nuclear payloads, and pressed for stronger allied unity in response to Russia's aggression.

Observers say the remarks reflect a broader shift in Western strategy toward space security, with governments weighing how to deter incursions while safeguarding critical assets used for communications, intelligence, navigation and missile warning. The issue has gained fresh urgency as states explore ways to protect satellites from collision or interception and to deter potential adversaries from crossing new red lines in orbit. The situation remains fluid as Berlin signals its intent to push for coordinated action among NATO allies and partners on space deterrence and defense. This is a developing story; more details are expected as officials clarify plans and timelines for international discussions and national programs.