Germany’s armed forces are actively exploring ground-based electronic warfare systems to disrupt satellite navigation and communications as Russia advances its Rassvet satellite network. To this end, the Bundeswehr has tasked the German Space Agency with investigating counter-space technologies that can be acquired in the coming years.
Currently, this initiative is in the market-research phase, with a request for information posted through the EU’s TED procurement platform. The goal is to find systems that can suppress signals from satellites in various orbits. Additionally, the Bundeswehr aims to identify systems capable of spoofing satellite signals by providing false positioning data.
While specific satellite constellations are not mentioned, the procurement requirements potentially target Russian systems, such as GLONASS and the Rassvet network. Germany intends for initial capabilities to be operational by 2029, with comprehensive systems covering brigade areas expected in about three and a half years, and broader deployment to the Bundeswehr targeted for 2035.
Panzerbrigade 45, stationed in Lithuania to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, serves as a reference for required coverage. Potential suppliers are asked to evaluate how their systems might interfere with Germany’s own navigation and communications, and to provide ITAR-free solutions that reduce dependence on U.S. components.
As Russia continues to enhance its satellite communications and employ electronic warfare strategies—such as using the Tobol system in Kaliningrad to disrupt GPS signals—Germany’s efforts are positioned as a necessary countermeasure.
