Germany creates satellite missile detection system to reduce dependence on the United States

Germany plans to become the first European country to develop its own space-based missile detection system as the continent seeks to reduce its dependence on Washington for defense. This was reported by the newspaper Financial Times said the head of the German Space Command, Major General Michael Trout.

He said that Germany "is now planning to create the basis for a satellite-based missile detection system." The military added that this is a national project, but it is open to European allies.

Trout believes that such national capabilities will make Germany and Europe stronger partners for the United States.

Europe currently relies on a common space-based warning system provided by the United States through NATO to detect threats such as long-range missiles. However, the unpredictable approach of the US President Donald Trump and its recent threats to annex Greenland have alarmed European capitals, prompting them to build up their own capabilities.

Germany is at the forefront of this rapid growth in investment. Last year, Berlin announced its intention to invest 35 billion euros in military space technologies by 2030.

Speaking at the European Space Conference in Brussels, Trout said that missile detection is an operational priority. "Space-based early warning and satellite-based missile detection are essential because the threat is imminent," he said.

The general noted Europe's dependence on the United States for space capabilities. There is an "urgent" need to build up some German and European sovereign missile detection and interception capabilities.

The article says that Russia's commissioning of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, which has been used twice to strike Ukraine and is considered virtually invulnerable, has confirmed Europe's weakness in launch detection.

Trout declined to provide any details on timelines or budgets. He did say, however, that there is no time for delay.

"Our chief of defense staff in Germany has ordered us to be ready for war in 2029. But in space, we have to be ready for combat now, if necessary," the general said.

• In October 2025, the head of the German intelligence service stated that Russia was allegedly ready to enter into a direct military conflict with NATO and that this may happen by 2029.
• On December 5, Reuters wrote that the United States wants Europe has taken on the challenge of most of NATO's conventional defense capabilities, from intelligence to missiles, by 2027.