German media outlets WDR, NDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung have reported that a Russian spacecraft is conducting dangerous maneuvers over Europe. Russian satellites have repeatedly approached German satellites in recent years, coming close enough to potentially intercept their signals.
In 2025, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius stated that Europe must develop its own space capabilities to defend itself, as Russia is reportedly developing laser weapons that could be deployed from space. A year ago, Moscow claimed to have developed the Peresvet laser weapon system, capable of blinding reconnaissance satellites.
According to the French company Aldoria, which monitors space activity, Russian satellites have approached German satellites at distances as close as 140 km since April 2023, sufficient to intercept signals. In August 2024, the reconnaissance satellite “Luch” approached a German military satellite to just 88 km.
Space becomes a new front: attacks from Earth and communication disruptions
In early summer 2024, Russia disrupted another German military satellite via a ground station, causing hours-long signal outages.
“We are under threat. Russia indeed has the capabilities to create significant interference in space,” admitted Bundeswehr Space Command commander Major General Michael Traut.
€35 billion for security: Germany prepares for space warfare
Meanwhile, the German federal government has introduced its first national space security strategy. The Ministry of Defense plans to invest €35 billion by 2030 in the program. A key element of the strategy is the cooperation with European and international partners as well as NATO allies.
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