Russia is monitoring two German military satellites, according to a statement made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on September 26, 2025.The surveillance raises concerns about potential interference with secure military communications and intelligence gathering.
The tracked satellites are utilized by the German Bundeswehr for secure communication and reconnaissance. Pistorius disclosed the tracking on September 26, 2025, stating that Russia is actively attempting to intercept signals from the satellites. this development occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and underscores the increasing militarization of space. Germany relies on French Guiana, an overseas department of France located approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of the equator, for launching its satellites into orbit; alternatively, Europe utilizes NASA’s Cape Canaveral in Florida.
The German Defence Minister did not specify the methods Russia is employing to track the satellites, but experts suggest possibilities include ground-based radar and signal intelligence gathering. The incident highlights the vulnerability of satellite infrastructure to hostile actors and the growing need for enhanced space security measures. Germany is currently assessing the extent of the compromised data and implementing countermeasures to protect its satellite communications.
