Germany is bolstering its military capabilities in space amid the threat of Russia deploying nuclear weapons in orbit. The commander of the Bundeswehr’s space forces, Major General Michael Traut, warns of the risks of prolonged satellite disruption and an increase in space debris. In response, Berlin is developing jamming systems, lasers and its own satellite communications for defence and deterrence.
- Germany has not ruled out the possibility that Russia might deploy nuclear weapons in space.
- The effects of a nuclear explosion in orbit could put up to a third of satellites out of action.
- Berlin is developing lasers, jammers and its own military satellite network, SATCOMBw 4.
Germany’s assessment of the risks posed by nuclear weapons in space
Commander of the German Space Force, Major General Michael Trout stated that he does not rule out the possibility of Russia placing a nuclear warhead in orbit. Such a scenario could result in widespread damage to satellite systems. According to him, a nuclear explosion in space, similar to the American test Starfish Prime In 1962, it could render up to a third of the satellites in low Earth orbit inoperable within a matter of weeks or months, creating a long-term problem with space debris.
Implications for space infrastructure and civilisation
The destruction of a large number of satellites will exacerbate the space debris problem, contributing to the Kessler effect — a cascade of collisions between debris in orbit. Traut noted that certain orbital altitudes could become unusable for decades. The consequences of such an incident would affect not only the military but also civilian sectors: navigation, communications, banking, transport and weather forecasting.
Germany is stepping up its space defence and deterrence capabilities
In response to growing threats, Berlin is developing a new space security strategy. It aims not only to protect its own and its allies’ satellites, but also to restrict the enemy’s use of space. The commander cited previous attacks on satellites via GPS jamming in the Baltic region and laser interference are part of everyday life.
Space defence systems and offensive capabilities
Germany plans to acquire non-kinetic systems—jammers and lasers—as well as to develop reconnaissance satellites and advanced space planes. These military assets are not only defensive but also active and offensive in nature, enabling strikes against enemy infrastructure, particularly ground stations and command and control systems.
Our own satellite network and European cooperation
Berlin is implementing the project SATCOMBw 4 — a sovereign military satellite network for secure communications. This network will not compete with the European IRIS² project, but will complement it, reducing the load on general traffic. Germany also aims to encourage as many European partners as possible to use its own system, particularly those without their own satellite capabilities.
