Germany Plans Satellite Missile Detection System to Cut Reliance on US

Germany is planning to develop the core of an independent satellite-based missile detection system, a move that would make it the first European power with such an operational capability, according to the Financial Times.

Berlin Seeks Greater Strategic Autonomy in Space

According to the Financial Times, the head of Germany’s space command, Major General Michael Traut, said Berlin is moving ahead with plans for a national missile detection system designed to identify long-range missile threats from space.

Traut said the project would be led nationally but structured to allow cooperation with European partners. He argued that developing sovereign capabilities would ultimately strengthen Europe’s role within Nato and enhance transatlantic security cooperation.

Dependence on U.S. Systems Under Scrutiny

Europe currently relies on a U.S.-provided space-based early-warning system shared through Nato to detect ballistic missile launches. However, the Financial Times reports that uncertainty surrounding Washington’s long-term defence commitments has prompted European governments to reassess that dependence.

Concerns have intensified amid President Donald Trump’s unpredictable stance on Nato and recent remarks about annexing Greenland, developments that have unsettled European capitals and accelerated calls for greater defence autonomy.

Germany Leads Europe’s Military Space Spending Surge

Germany has positioned itself at the forefront of Europe’s defence investment drive. According to the Financial Times, Berlin last year announced plans to invest €35bn in military space technologies by 2030, placing it among the world’s top spenders in the sector.

The country has also launched the European Sky Shield Initiative, aimed at reinforcing ground-based air and missile defence systems across Europe.

Missile Detection Deemed an Operational Priority

Speaking at the European Space Conference in Brussels, Traut described space-based early warning as an urgent operational requirement.

He said Europe has historically depended on the United States across most areas of space capability and stressed the need to build German and European systems capable not only of detecting missile launches early but also supporting early interception.

Toward Europe’s First Operational Detection Capability

If realised, Germany’s programme would provide Europe with its first operational space-based missile detection system. France previously tested launch-detection technology through its Spirale demonstrator satellites in 2009, but the initiative was not continued.

Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics (EMI) launched a separate demonstrator satellite focused on missile launch detection in 2024, according to the Financial Times.

ESA Discusses Role in European Integration

Josef Aschbacher, director-general of the European Space Agency, told the Financial Times that the agency is in discussions with Germany about how its capabilities could be integrated into broader European infrastructure.

He said talks are ongoing regarding system architecture but stressed that the ESA would not participate in the development of offensive weapons, even as it increases its focus on dual-use technologies.

Shift Toward Dual-Use Space Programmes

While traditionally focused on civilian projects, the ESA agreed in November to fund its first explicitly dual-use programme. The initiative aims to develop technology for a space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance network.

Aschbacher said the growing emphasis on defence-related space capabilities would require Europe to double its collective space spending by 2030.

Russian Missile Developments Add Urgency

The Financial Times notes that the introduction of Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile—used twice in Ukraine and considered extremely difficult to intercept—has highlighted Europe’s vulnerability in missile launch detection.

Traut declined to specify budgets or timelines for Germany’s satellite programme but warned against delays, saying German defence leadership has ordered the military to be prepared for conflict by 2029, while space capabilities must be ready immediately if required.