European Space Defense: Industry Calls for Increased Investment

In light of escalating global tensions, the German aerospace sector is urging the federal government to allocate more funds towards military space initiatives. Industry leaders emphasize that both Germany and Europe require a robust and competitive space infrastructure to maintain their sovereignty and position on the global stage.

Marie-Christine von Hahn, the Chief Executive Officer of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), stressed the urgency of this call during a press conference ahead of the Munich Security Conference. She warned that failing to act could jeopardize European independence and influence internationally.

There are underlying concerns among European industries and politicians regarding potential pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to advocate for NATO allies to purchase more weapons from American manufacturers. Although the BDLI did not explicitly mention Trump in their statements, his previous demands for European nations to increase their defense spending to five percent of their respective GDPs remain a significant concern.

Data from the BDLI indicates that the United States launched over half of the 220 civilian and military rockets deployed globally in the previous year, with China, Russia, and India following with significantly fewer launches--67, 20, and 7 respectively. Europe, in stark contrast, managed only 4 rocket launches, placing it at the bottom of the list.

Hahn asserted that the German and European aerospace industries possess the technological capability to compete effectively. However, she highlighted the necessity for immediate action to ensure that Europe can independently participate in reconnaissance and defense operations in space.

The BDLI represents around 260 member companies in the civil and military aerospace sectors, collectively generating an annual revenue of approximately 46 billion euros. This call for increased investment aligns with the ongoing discussions at the Munich Security Conference, where the German Federation of Industries (BDI) held a symposium focused on advancements in the space sector.