Russia tracks German military satellites, warns defense minister

In Germany, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius disclosed on Thursday that Russia is actively monitoring two Intelsat satellites utilized by the German military. The revelation comes amid Germany's commitment to invest €35 billion ($41 billion) in its space programs over the next five years, underscoring an urgent need for enhanced space security capabilities given the evolving geopolitical landscape. At a space conference in Berlin, Pistorius highlighted potential military threats from both Russia and China, mentioning their capacity to engage in space warfare, which includes capabilities to disrupt and manipulate satellite functionalities. Pistorius notably indicated that the German armed forces had already experienced jamming attacks, indicating the growing tension in space-related military capabilities. He further specified that while he spoke, a multitude of reconnaissance satellites, precisely 39 from China and Russia, were orbiting overhead, tracking movements and communications in Germany in real-time. This situation calls for caution in communication, emphasizing the heavy surveillance present in current geopolitical dynamics. European countries have historically been reliant on the United States for security in space. However, shifting policies under the previous Trump administration have intensified discussions in Europe regarding the need for a more independent and robust approach to space security. Boris Pistorius's comments reflect a critical reevaluation of Europe’s position on defense and space strategy amid escalating geopolitical tensions from rival nations. Given the rapid advancements and investment strategies outlined by Germany, the country aims to bolster not only its military capabilities but also its presence and strategies in space