German Defence Minister Calls for Discipline on €10 billion SATCOMBw4 Satellite Programme
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on 14 July 2026 that the planned military satellite project, named SATCOMBw4, must adhere strictly to its timeline and budget, warning that delays are unacceptable given current security threats. The programme is valued at €10 billion (approximately $11.45 billion) and is intended to give the Bundeswehr an independent space‑based communications capability comparable to SpaceX’s Starlink network.
Contracts for SATCOMBw4 are expected to be awarded by the German armed forces around the end of 2026. The system is planned to consist of roughly 200 satellites, with an initial operational constellation of about 40 satellites anticipated to become functional from 2029. Pistorius highlighted that the capability will support early‑warning, reconnaissance, detection and communications functions in space, providing independent global command‑and‑control and helping Germany fulfil its NATO commitments.
The satellite maker OHB, based in Bremen, is the lead contractor and is working together with Rheinmetall and Airbus Defence on the project, according to government and industry sources. Pistorius noted concerns that the consortium structure could limit price competition. He also warned that threats to satellites are already a reality, as several countries are investing heavily in offensive counter‑space capabilities.
In addition to the SATCOMBw4 programme, Germany announced a broader investment target of €35 billion in space security by 2030.