Germany and the United Kingdom have accused Russia of threatening their satellites and increasing hostile activities in space. Officials warn that Moscow’s interference poses a growing risk to Western communications and security systems.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Russian reconnaissance satellites were recently spotted tracking two IntelSat satellites used by the German Armed Forces and allied nations. He described Russia’s actions as “a fundamental threat we can no longer ignore,” adding that Berlin will boost funding for its space defense programs.
British officials have also raised alarms, saying Russian satellites have been stalking and jamming UK assets on a “weekly basis.” Major General Paul Tedman, head of the UK Space Command, said Russian payloads are being used to observe and gather data from British satellites.
Experts warn that such activities can disrupt telecommunications, satellite imagery, and navigation systems—potentially affecting both military operations and civilian aviation.
NATO has also expressed concern about reports suggesting that Russia is developing nuclear weapons designed for space. Moscow has denied these allegations but vetoed a UN resolution banning such weapons last year.
Analysts say Russia’s space surveillance and interference activities date back more than a decade, with similar incidents previously reported by the United States and France.
