The DownLink Podcast Space Power: Germany Is Getting Ready For War In Space
Nov 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Torsten Kriening, CEO of SpaceWatch.global and host of the Space Cafe podcast, shares insights on Germany's newfound commitment to space defense. He sheds light on Germany's historic €35 billion strategy to develop offensive and defensive capabilities in orbit. Kriening explores geopolitical factors driving this shift, including tensions with Russia, and discusses the urgency behind preparing for a potential conflict by 2029. He also covers European cooperation and ESA's evolving role in defense.
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Germany's Unified Space Strategy
- Germany published a whole-of-government space safety and security strategy tied to a €35B commitment by 2030.
- The strategy frames space as critical infrastructure and elevates interministerial coordination for deterrence and resilience.
On‑the‑Ground At Space Tech Expo
- Torsten attended the Space Tech Expo in Bremen and described it as Europe's 'place where you can get your space through.'
- He highlighted the event's practical focus on hardware, academia, and student projects.
Threats Named; Non‑Kinetic Deterrence Favored
- The strategy explicitly names Russia and China as threats and prioritizes deterrence over seeking space superiority.
- Germany commits to non-kinetic offensive options (RF, jammers, lasers) while upholding treaties against kinetic ASATs.
