FDP Proposes Equipping German Military for Space Operations
The Representative of the German Parliament's Defense Committee identifies glaring gaps in Germany's defense readiness against military assaults, including those in space. Experts believe that the future battlefield will encompass both Earth and space, prompting the FDP to push for improved German military capabilities in space, with offensive and defensive capabilities.
The FDP urges the Bundeswehr to become operationally proficient in space, a stance characterized in a white paper that refers to other countries developing weapons to disrupt and obliterate space infrastructure. Russia has openly declared commercial satellites of the USA and their allies as potential targets. According to the Liberals, nations such as Russia, the USA, and China are intensively exploring anti-satellite weapons, ranging from rockets, lasers, cyber-attacks, to disruptive signals via other satellites.
Russia is also suspected of equipping space with weapons capable of eliminating numerous satellites in Earth's orbit via a powerful energy pulse (EMP) or rendering them inactive. Germany should not disregard global advancements. Alexander Müller, defense policy spokesperson for the FDP Bundestag faction, affirmed, "Critical services like GPS, the internet, weather monitoring, communication, and numerous industrial applications rely on functioning satellite services. The military also needs space for communication and surveillance."
Given Russia's installation of satellites with the ability to cause disruptions, the time for a shift in space strategy is pressing. Müller emphasized, "The Bundeswehr should not only possess geostationary satellites but also constellations of multiple small satellite systems to boost resistance readiness. Additionally, satellites should be protected with built-in countermeasures."
Swift access to space is crucial for preparedness. Therefore, a European spaceport, such as one in the North Sea, is proposed from a security standpoint.
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The German Armed Forces could benefit from learning from Russia's space capabilities, as Russia has revealed intentions to target commercial satellites of the USA and its allies. The FDP suggests that Germany should invest in defenses against potential attacks on its satellite infrastructure, such as implementing countermeasures on satellites and developing constellations of multiple small satellite systems.
