The New Space Race: How European Countries Are Planning Their Space Strategies
Germany and France recently introduced new space plans. But what about other European countries? Across Europe, space agencies are developing strategies that combine science with security.
Countries like Germany, France, Italy, and the UK are investing in satellites, defence systems, and launch capabilities. Their goals are to protect their space assets, stay competitive, and respond to new threats in orbit.
The focus on defence comes as GPS jamming, new missiles, and reliance on foreign launch systems threaten Europe’s access to space. Here’s what different countries are prioritising:
Germany
Germany revealed its first national space strategy, focusing on security. The plan, announced in November, includes spaceflight projects, expanding satellite networks, and working with other countries. The aim is to make Germany “more capable of action” in space.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said: “Space systems are an important part of our lives … any disruption would seriously affect security and daily life.”
Germany plans to invest €35 billion in space over the coming years, partly to protect against GPS disruptions, such as those caused by Russia near the Baltic Sea.
France
President Emmanuel Macron announced in November that France’s new space strategy will combine science and security.
The plan has five main goals:
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Keep competitive access to space
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Build a space economy
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Maintain military space capabilities
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Invest in research
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Promote international cooperation
The plan includes modernising the French Guiana space centre, where the Ariane 6 launcher will handle commercial flights.
France will invest €4.2 billion more in space defence, bringing total spending to over €10 billion by 2030. Potential investments include satellites like Orbit Guard and Toutatis to protect French space assets.
The plan will also strengthen intelligence, early warning systems, and communications. France will contribute research in Earth sciences to support climate resilience.
This builds on France’s Military Programming Act, which focuses on detecting aggressive actions in space. France also created the Space Pact to improve coordination between the military and the space industry.
Italy
In October, Italy’s budget set aside €109 million for a space defence plan.
The plan is still in development and will be “multi-domain,” helping Italy respond to threats over the next 20 years. It will identify short-term needs and fill gaps in defence capabilities.
Italy also allocated €131 million for space surveillance, monitoring objects in orbit, protecting national assets, and ensuring safe access to space.
Italy’s budget includes €186 million for a Sicral 3 satellite, a high-frequency satellite that will improve secure communications between the government and military. The system was first developed in 2001 by Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space.
Thales received a €100 million contract from the Italian Space Agency to build satellite factories across Italy, which should be ready by 2026.
Italy is also investing in Earth observation satellites to monitor environmental changes and provide important services. The first satellite for the Iride constellation was launched in January 2025.
Italy is collaborating with Germany and France to develop European launchers, including Ariane 6 and the smaller Vega-C.
United Kingdom
The UK Space Agency released a plan in September to use space to boost the economy, increase security, and make global discoveries that inspire people.
The UK will invest in small launch vehicles, eco-friendly spaceports, and satellite communication technologies.
There is also a focus on building the ability to repair, upgrade, or assemble satellites while they are in orbit.
The UK aims to achieve this by creating inclusive workplaces, investing in science and innovation, and working with international partners.
Sweden
Sweden launched its first defence and security space strategy in 2024, based on four main goals:
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Be more independent in space
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Build strong space assets for national defence
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Support collective security
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Develop knowledge for defence projects
The government will work closely with agencies and private companies, and may update space laws.
Sweden has allocated SEK 1 billion (€914 million) for reconnaissance and surveillance. Its location near the North Pole makes it ideal for operating and launching polar satellites.
The Esrange spaceport in northern Sweden is being developed for satellite launches. Firefly Aerospace plans to launch satellites from there next year.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands sees space as a key area in its Defence Strategy. Over the next few years, the military plans to:
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Have a reliable network of satellites by 2027
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Use AI to track space objects, monitor Earth, and manage satellite communications by 2030
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Access a European early warning system for air and missile defence
The Defence Space Agenda, started in 2022, focuses on six key areas:
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Space situational awareness (tracking objects in space)
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Reconnaissance
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Satellite communications
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Positioning, navigation, and timing
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Shared early warning
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Monitoring space weather
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