The German armed forces - the Bundeswehr - are planning to create their own group of satellites, to avoid dependence on such orbital communication systems, like Starlink from SpaceX or other foreign networks.
According to information from the German publication Handelsblatt, it is about the creation of at least one satellite constellation, which will include hundreds of devices. The system will provide communication, and will also include additional features, such as remote sensing of the Earth.
The project is planned to be implemented by 2029 year, although not specified, whether it is the beginning or the end of a network deployment.
The details are still classified as "secret"
The German Ministry of Defense confirmed the existence of such plans, however, the cost and specifications are currently withheld — for national security reasons. Only known, that different deployment options are considered, with an emphasis on using its own industrial potential to meet the growing needs of defense infrastructure.
Context: the role of satellites in modern conflicts
The importance of satellite communication systems during hostilities was especially evident against the background of Russia's war against Ukraine. The Starlink system plays an important role in providing communications for the Ukrainian military, which made such countries, like Russia and China, look for ways to counter this infrastructure.
Against the background of geopolitical instability, Germany decided to reduce dependence on partner systems and focus on creating its own autonomous capabilities in space.
Not to be confused with the EU IRIS² programme
The planned constellation of satellites for the Bundeswehr will be separate from the European Union's IRIS² initiative (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). The IRIS² system is being developed as a pan-European network to provide sovereign broadband on the continent.