Europe boosts space defences amid Russian satellite interference concerns

European officials and defence experts are warning that Russia is interfering with satellites and navigation signals, prompting a new push to strengthen orbital security. The issue has gained urgency after a Russian Cosmos "inspector" reportedly came within metres of a Finnish satellite last month. That satellite was said to be carrying military data to Ukrainian forces, underscoring how quickly space systems can become part of wider security tensions.

The reporting says Russia is now routinely targeting observation satellites and navigation signals, while also probing software for weaknesses and identifying where systems can be penetrated. In response, billions of pounds are being invested in defence mechanisms, according to the account. The debate has also been sharpened by concerns that Europe cannot rely on the United States to protect its orbital infrastructure in the same way as before.

The warning comes a week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky questioned who controls "the on and off buttons" after throttling linked to SpaceX Starshield affected the speed of his country's drones. A NATO commander was quoted as saying Europe's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities are "not a whole lot - almost zero without the US". The report says around ten European NATO members are now increasing spending on space capabilities, including the United Kingdom.

The shift matters because satellites now support both military operations and everyday civilian services, from communications to navigation. Experts quoted in the report said the line between military and civilian systems is becoming harder to distinguish. That raises the stakes for governments that depend on space-based infrastructure for security, transport, and data links.

The article also points to a broader European effort to reduce dependence on US firms and launch capacity. A company in Reading is developing very low Earth orbit satellites designed to circle the planet at up to 200 miles above ground and provide high-resolution images at a lower cost. In Germany, Isar Aerospace has begun launches from Andoya in the Arctic Circle, while new spaceport projects are under development in the Shetland Islands and the Azores.

What remains unclear is how far Russia's interference extends, how often such close approaches are taking place, and how effective Europe's new investments will be in the short term. The report suggests the continent is only beginning to respond to what it describes as a growing space security threat. The next developments to watch are whether more NATO members commit funding, and whether European systems can reduce reliance on US protection and launch services.

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