Europe faces escalating threats to its satellite infrastructure from Russian and Chinese space weapons, prompting calls from Brussels for enhanced defensive measures and greater autonomy in space capabilities. Andrius Kubilius, the European Union’s defence and space commissioner, recently highlighted the growing vulnerability of European military and navigation satellites to attacks, both from Earth-based missiles and emerging “co-orbital” technologies that operate in orbit.
Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister, expressed concern over the lack of transparency from the United States regarding its recent deployment of “on-orbit space control weapons,” which are designed to protect American satellites from hostile actions. Meanwhile, Russia and China have been actively demonstrating their space warfare capabilities. Russia has tested an experimental A-235 missile capable of destroying satellites, including one of its own aging spacecraft, while China has developed satellites equipped with robotic arms that could potentially capture or disrupt other satellites.
The EU commissioner warned of the potentially destructive impact of these developments, particularly as Moscow has intensified electronic warfare efforts against European navigation systems such as Galileo, as well as U.S. GPS networks. Germany also disclosed that Russian spy satellites have been physically shadowing German military satellites, raising further concerns about espionage and space-based threats.
Kubilius emphasized that space is now integral to modern conventional warfare and that Europe must prepare for the possibility of deliberate attempts to disable its space infrastructure. European efforts to counter these threats include exploring in-orbit satellite repair technologies, inspired by similar capabilities demonstrated by the United States, China, and Japan. Another strategic approach is to increase satellite constellation density so that operations can continue even if some units are compromised.
Expanding Europe’s satellite launch capacity remains a critical priority. Kubilius noted that the continent is lagging significantly behind other powers and faces an impending shortfall in launch capabilities unless investment accelerates. The recent successful orbital launch by Munich-based start-up Isar Aerospace, utilizing a small-scale microlauncher called Spectrum from Norway’s Andoya spaceport, marks a milestone for European autonomous access to orbit. Additional launch facilities are being developed in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and potentially Canada, supplementing the existing site in French Guiana.
Research into satellite defensive technologies is ongoing, focusing on hardening systems against jamming, cyberattacks, and potential physical maneuvers to evade threats. Germany is reportedly developing “bodyguard” satellites capable of surveilling and defending satellite constellations, while France plans to deploy a laser-equipped satellite under its Flamhe program by 2030 to disrupt hostile targets.
Experts caution that kinetic attacks in space risk generating debris that could endanger all space assets, a factor that may restrain China and Russia due to their strategic partnership and mutual interests. Moreover, large constellations like Elon Musk’s Starlink, with thousands of satellites, present a complex challenge to adversaries attempting to disrupt operations through physical attacks.
The number of dual-use and military satellites has surged dramatically over the past decade, reflecting their crucial role in modern warfare — from reconnaissance and targeting to maintaining communication under electronic attack. Europe, which has traditionally depended heavily on U.S. support and commercial constellations for space-based services, is now investing substantially to catch up.
This year, the EU activated its GovSatCom network to enable member states to share secure satellite communications, laying groundwork for the Iris2 constellation, intended to provide Europe with greater independence and resilience in space. Germany plans to invest approximately €35 billion in military and dual-use space assets by 2030, with Poland and Sweden also establishing their own small-scale reconnaissance satellite constellations.
As geopolitical competition extends into orbit, Europe’s leaders argue that securing control over space-based infrastructure is vital not only for military operations but also for safeguarding civilian navigation, communication, and intelligence capabilities.