Germany is accelerating work on its own satellite early warning system for missile launches, seeking to reduce its dependence on American data and strengthen European defence in the face of growing threats from ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
In November 2025, the German Ministry of Defence presented the country’s first ever Space Security Strategy, which explicitly provides for the creation of national capabilities for satellite detection of missile launches. The document envisages significant investments — up to €35 billion by 2035 — in the development of military space systems, including early warning satellites, tracking systems and even means of countering threats in orbit.
A key project at the European level was the agreement between Germany and France signed in October 2025. It concerns the implementation of the Odin’s Eye system (as part of the broader JEWEL initiative — Joint Early Warning for a European Lookout). According to the agreement:
Germany and France will launch 1–2 geostationary satellites with infrared sensors capable of detecting the thermal radiation of rocket engines at the moment of launch.
The system will be supplemented by long-range ground-based radars.
‘Detecting hostile missiles at the moment of launch from space is a critical element of any modern missile defence system. This is the only way to prepare for interception in time,’ said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius during the signing of the agreement with France.
The first Odin’s Eye / JEWEL satellites are scheduled to be launched into orbit in the late 2020s and early 2030s. At the same time, Germany is continuing to deploy the Arrow-3 ground-based system (supplied by Israel), which will be an important element of its multi-layered missile defence.
Experts note that Berlin’s decision to create an independent early warning satellite system marks a serious shift in German and European defence policy — from almost complete dependence on allies to the gradual acquisition of its own capabilities in the space segment of military security.