Germany unveils space security strategy with focus on deterrence

"Our core task is to maintain and expand our deterrence and defence capabilities in space," said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin after the Cabinet backed the new space security strategy. "And deterrence must be credible there too."

Pistorius announced in September that the government would allocate €35 billion ($40 billion) to space projects and a security architecture in space within five years.

The minister warned that space is being militarized, pointing to the looming threat posed by Russia and China.

"We are not acting aggressively in space," Pistorius said. "We will not attack or allow the attack of any other nation's satellites, either now or in the future."

However, Germany must be able to defend itself in the form of a counterstrike to ensure the protection of its satellites, he argued.

The new strategy comprises three strategic areas of action, including the identification of dangers and threats, the promotion of international cooperation in space, and building deterrence.

The space security strategy sets out "a framework for how we can better protect and defend ourselves in space and make our entire country more resilient," Pistorius said.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said: "From communication to the control of cruise missiles or drones and the exploitation of strategically important raw materials, the race for supremacy in space is in full swing. This makes it all the more important for Germany to protect its interests in space."