NextFin news, On November 9, 2025, Germany and the United Kingdom officially accused Russia of threatening their satellites in space, highlighting a significant intensification in hostile space activities by Moscow. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius revealed at a Berlin conference in September that two Russian reconnaissance satellites were recently observed tracking two IntelSat satellites, the latter used by the German Armed Forces and its allies. British Space Command head Major General Paul Tedman also reported weekly jamming and stalking of British satellites by Russian space assets. These incidents have been accompanied by jamming efforts conducted primarily via Russian ground-based electronic warfare infrastructure, elevating concerns over satellite security and operational reliability.
The warnings come amidst the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, now entering its third year, during which Russia has reportedly deepened its collaboration with China to conduct satellite reconnaissance missions over Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has further cautioned about Russia's alleged plans to develop nuclear weapons in space, although Russia publicly denies deploying such weapons. Russian vetoes against UN Security Council resolutions aimed at preventing the militarization of space underscore the geopolitical friction in this arena.
The space actions identified include stalking, jamming, blinding, manipulation, and even kinetic threats to foreign satellites. According to experts, Russian satellites have demonstrated behaviors indicative of signal interception and possible weaponization, such as remaining in close proximity to Western communications satellites and testing projectile-like devices in lower Earth orbits. Detection and assessment of these threats rely on expert analysis of satellite positioning, activity patterns, and payload capabilities, though intentions remain somewhat opaque.
In response, Germany plans to invest approximately €35 billion (over $40 billion) over the next five years to bolster its space capabilities, including defense and surveillance technologies. The UK government has committed to increasing defense spending and upgrading its strategic focus on space, cybersecurity, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Nevertheless, independent analyses by institutions like Chatham House argue that current investments remain insufficient to keep pace with rapidly advancing capabilities of adversaries, particularly China, which is emerging as the dominant space power with sophisticated satellite maneuvering and robotic arm-equipped satellites capable of manipulating other space assets.
The escalating satellite tensions fit within the larger strategic context of space being declared an “operational domain” by NATO, with Article 5 extending to space-based assets—meaning attacks on satellites could trigger collective defense responses. This institutional recognition heightens the imperative for NATO members like Germany and the UK to develop resilient, defensive space infrastructures and deterrence postures.
Russia’s provocative satellite behaviors have been noted since at least 2015, when U.S. military authorities documented Russian military satellites conducting close maneuvers near commercial Intelsat satellites used by Western governments. The current intensification signals a transition from reconnaissance to a more aggressive stance, which could disrupt crucial satellite services including telecommunications, broadband internet access, satellite imagery, and navigation systems integral to both civilian infrastructure and military operations.
The implications for global security are profound. Disruptions of satellite communication and navigation could degrade military command and control, intelligence sharing, and civilian services such as aviation. The interference also extends economic risks to commercial satellite operators, potentially destabilizing sectors reliant on space-based platforms.
Looking ahead, the trend suggests sustained acceleration of space militarization, with Russia and China increasingly deploying sophisticated counterspace technologies designed to undermine Western satellite superiority. European nations are compelled to rapidly expand investment in space situational awareness, defensive satellite technologies—including potential "bodyguard" satellites—and electronic warfare countermeasures. This must be coupled with stronger international diplomatic efforts to establish norms and treaties curbing weaponization while ensuring strategic stability.
The strategic calculus under the current U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump since January 2025, increasingly integrates space security as a cornerstone of national defense and transatlantic cooperation. Aligning space policies among NATO allies will be crucial for crafting unified deterrence strategies and leveraging shared technologies.
In summary, Germany and the UK’s public accusations against Russia highlight the severe and growing threat to satellite security posed by Russian and Chinese hostile activities in orbit. This development necessitates immediate and sustained policy, technological, and alliance-level responses to safeguard critical space infrastructure, protect sovereignty, and maintain strategic advantage in the increasingly contested domain of outer space.
According to CNN, these recent developments underscore the urgent need for enhanced funding and innovation in Europe’s space defense capabilities to prevent technological and strategic lag behind adversaries who are rapidly advancing their space warfare arsenals.
Explore more exclusive insights at nextfin.ai.
