Germany plans to deploy offensive military satellites in space starting in 2027, marking a shift from a previously defensive posture. The program, known as 'Shield and Sword,' involves launching four satellites—two defensive 'inspector satellites' capable of close surveillance of other space objects, and two offensive 'effector satellites' designed to disrupt other satellites via electromagnetic interference. The German Bundestag's Defense and Budget Committees have approved the project, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will implement it with a budget of 100 million euros. The initiative aims to develop rapid satellite deployment and operational capabilities, reducing dependence on the US for high-resolution military satellite data. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has allocated up to 35 billion euros for space militarization within the Bundeswehr. The project has bipartisan political support citing sovereign defense capabilities, though it faces opposition criticism over the militarization and civil-military interlinking of space assets.

Germany plans to deploy offensive military satellites in space starting in 2027, marking a shift from a previously defensive posture. The program, known as 'Shield and Sword,' involves launching four satellites—two defensive 'inspector satellites' capable of close surveillance of other space objects, and two offensive 'effector satellites' designed to disrupt other satellites via electromagnetic interference. The German Bundestag's Defense and Budget Committees have approved the project, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will implement it with a budget of 100 million euros. The initiative aims to develop rapid satellite deployment and operational capabilities, reducing dependence on the US for high-resolution military satellite data. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has allocated up to 35 billion euros for space militarization within the Bundeswehr. The project has bipartisan political support citing sovereign defense capabilities, though it faces opposition criticism over the militarization and civil-military interlinking of space assets.