War is moving to space: Russia developing weapons against EU satellite
Photo: Russia is working on the creation of laser weapons that will be able to damage satellites (Getty Images)
The European Union must develop its own space capabilities to be ready to defend itself against potential Russian aggression, stated the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius.
"The defence of space – and using space for defence is only becoming more urgent, because we are already under attack - also in space," he said.
According to him, space is currently one of the main items on the EU agenda and a key part of the defense readiness roadmap presented two weeks ago.
"We need to be ready before 2030. Because Putin will be ready to test NATO Article 5. And without space, there will be no defence readiness. And now we are not ready," Kubilius stated.
Kubilius emphasized that space capabilities are decisive on the battlefield. He cited the war in Ukraine as an example, where satellites guide Russia’s bombs and missiles to their targets.
He added that satellites also help Ukrainian forces stay connected and control drones. According to him, space is becoming the next battlefield.
Russia is developing new weapons
"Russia is developing powerful laser weapons that can permanently blind satellites. German satellites are being shadowed by Russian spy satellites, that could damage or destroy them," the commissioner noted.
The European Commission's roadmap proposes "not only to defend space, but also to use space for defense." This includes building a European space defense shield, the launch of which is planned for next summer.
According to Kubilius, modern warfare requires secure intelligence and surveillance, safe positioning and navigation, as well as secure communication. To achieve these capabilities, he said, the EU will use space.
The European Commission has proposed including Ukraine in the Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) component of the EU Space Programme and the EU Secure Connectivity Programme.
An EC spokesperson said that the defense and space sectors are closely connected, and Ukraine's inclusion has strategic importance.
