Germany’s defense minister said Thursday that Russia is shadowing satellites used by the German armed forces.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told a space conference in Berlin that two Russian Luch-Olymp reconnaissance satellites are tracking two Intelsat satellites.
Intelsat, a U.S.-Luxembourg operator of more than 50 satellites, supports commercial and government clients worldwide. The systems are among those used by Germany’s armed forces.
“Russia and China have expanded their capabilities for warfare in space rapidly over the past years,” Pistorius said.”They can disrupt satellite operations, blind satellites, manipulate or kinetically destroy them.”
“As we speak, 39 Chinese and Russian reconnaissance satellites are flying over us. Their observations are being transmitted in real time,” Pistorius added.
Meanwhile, the minister also announced €35 billion ($41 billion) in funding over five years for German space programs, aiming to reduce Europe’s reliance on U.S. protection and respond to advances by Russia and China.
Russia did not comment on the claims of Pistorius.
Pistorius’ warning comes amid speculation that Russia could be behind drones that disrupted several NATO countries this month.
