The German federal government presented a new national space strategy on Jan. 13, 2026, to address increasing competition and militarization in Earth orbit [1, 2].

This policy shift marks a significant pivot in Germany's approach to extraterrestrial security. By prioritizing deterrence, the government aims to secure strategic superiority as other nations engage in a growing space arms race [1, 2].

To implement these goals, Germany plans to invest 35 billion euros in space security [3]. The strategy focuses on protecting critical orbital infrastructure, and enhancing the nation's ability to respond to threats in the space domain [1, 2].

The move comes amid global tensions regarding the use of space for military purposes. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty originally declared that space should be used for peaceful purposes [3] — a principle now challenged by the development of anti-satellite weapons and orbital surveillance systems.

Government officials said the strategy is necessary to maintain stability. The plan seeks to balance the need for defense with the existing international legal frameworks that govern the cosmos [1, 2].

By investing in these capabilities, Germany intends to ensure that its satellite communications, and navigation systems remain operational during potential conflicts [1, 2]. The strategy emphasizes that space is no longer a sanctuary but a contested arena of strategic competition [1, 2].

“Germany plans to invest €35 billion in space security”

Germany's transition toward a militarized space strategy signals a broader trend among Western powers to treat Earth's orbit as a formal theater of war. By allocating billions to space security, Berlin is acknowledging that traditional terrestrial defenses are insufficient if a nation's orbital assets—which power everything from GPS to military intelligence—are vulnerable to disruption.