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Germany has outlined plans to sharply expand its military capabilities in space, with the Bundeswehr linking the move to the need to counter perceived threats from Russia.
Major General Michael Traut, commander of the Bundeswehr’s Space Command, explained the approach in an interview with Politico. He did not rule out a scenario in which Russian nuclear weapons could be placed in orbit, warning that such a development could threaten global communications systems.
According to Traut, at the highest level of escalation there are suspicions that Russia may be working on technology to deploy a nuclear explosive device in orbit. He said he could not exclude that possibility.
The German commander noted that a hypothetical nuclear blast in space could instantly disable up to one-third of satellites operating in low Earth orbit. He said the consequences would reach key sectors worldwide, including navigation services, civil aviation, and banking infrastructure.
Against that backdrop, Berlin intends to make its defense policy beyond Earth more assertive and active. Traut said effective deterrence cannot rely on a purely defensive posture and must include an active, offensive component.
He also warned that threats in space are growing rapidly, ranging from GPS signal jamming to direct attacks on satellite infrastructure. In response, Germany plans to develop its own space assets, including electronic warfare systems, laser technologies, and a national constellation of military communications satellites.