The militarization of space is progressing increasingly, while Germany and Europe have so far played only a minor role in this international arms race.
Against the backdrop of growing global tensions and geopolitical rivalries, the German aerospace industry is calling for increased investment in military space technologies in order to secure national sovereignty and Europe's position in the international arena. Increased participation in the military sector of space is not only necessary to remain technologically competitive, but also to protect one's own interests in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment.
Europe's lag in space
The German and European space industries are increasingly faced with the challenge of other nations, especially the USA, investing heavily in the military sector of space. While the USA carried out more than half of the world's 220 rocket launches for military and civilian purposes last year, Europe was at the bottom with just four rocket launches. China, Russia and India are also pursuing ambitious programs that will enable them to quickly catch up in the field of military and civilian space technologies. Against this background, the German industry warns that neglecting military space policy could lead to a serious competitive disadvantage.
Marie-Christine von Hahn, CEO of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), stressed the urgency of this development. "If politicians miss this, our sovereignty and our position in the world will be at stake," Hahn explained at the Munich Security Conference. In her opinion, Germany and Europe are dependent on a "competitive infrastructure in space" in order not to fall behind. Europe must be able to act independently, particularly in the field of military space reconnaissance and defense, Hahn continued.
Geopolitical implications and pressure from the USA
Concerns about possible geopolitical pressure from the USA are palpable in the German aerospace industry. Although this is not directly addressed in the industry's public statements, the fear that the USA, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, could increasingly pressure Europe to use American space technologies and systems is omnipresent. Trump has repeatedly called in the past for European NATO countries to increase their defense spending to five percent of their gross domestic product, which could also affect military space travel.
This pressure on Europe has the potential to jeopardise the continent's strategic independence. US space companies, which carry out the majority of rocket launches worldwide, could dominate European markets while increasing dependence on American technologies. The European space industry could thus find itself in a situation in the coming years where it is increasingly dependent on US technology and decisions, rather than maintaining an independent position on the global market.
Europe's technological capabilities in space
Despite these geopolitical challenges, the German aerospace industry is confident that Europe can easily keep up with the leading nations in terms of technology. "Our aerospace industry can easily keep up with the leading nations in terms of technology," stressed von Hahn. This gives the German industry a solid basis to make the necessary progress in the military field if the appropriate political and financial decisions are made. But the key lies in the rapid and decisive response of European politics.
The European space industry is broadly based and includes both civil and military companies that are leaders with their innovative technologies in areas such as satellite communications, earth observation and military reconnaissance. These companies, according to von Hahn, could grow even further in the coming years if they are encouraged by government support and clear political guidelines. A further step in this direction could be increased participation in international space programs and cooperation in order to secure the necessary expertise and market relevance.
The Importance of Military Space Travel for Germany's Sovereignty
A key concern of German industry is to ensure national sovereignty in space. Germany and Europe have so far pushed forward a large number of international space projects that primarily pursue civilian purposes. However, in view of the increasing threats posed by cyber and satellite-based military attacks, which have recently been carried out more and more frequently by military and non-state actors, it is becoming increasingly urgent to create an independent infrastructure in the field of military space travel. This is the only way Europe can remain competitive in defense and reconnaissance in space.
In this context, the industry also stresses the need for increased federal involvement in military space travel. The BDLI demands that the German government provide more funds for the development of military space technologies and that the aerospace industry be supported by clear funding programs and the creation of a robust legal framework.
Future prospects and challenges
Despite the existing challenges, the German space industry remains optimistic that it is possible to take on a leading role in the military sector as well. The key to this will be cooperation between politics, business and science. Only with close cooperation between these players can the necessary leaps in innovation be achieved in order to secure European sovereignty in space in the long term.
The Munich Security Conference, which is considered one of the most important international meeting places for political and security policy decision-makers, once again highlighted the explosive nature of space issues. In this context, it is of great importance that Germany and Europe are prepared for the challenges of the future not only technologically, but also politically and strategically.
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