Russian spacecraft are conducting covert surveillance operations against European satellites, marking a dramatic escalation in the militarization of space.
Russia has intercepted communications from a number of key European satellites, exposing sensitive government and military data and intensifying concerns about Europe’s vulnerability in space. According to reporting by the Financial Times, European security officials believe Russian spacecraft have been conducting covert interception and surveillance operations against at least ten satellites operated by EU member states.
The allegations mark one of the clearest warnings yet that space has become an active front in Europe’s security confrontation with Moscow, no longer theoretical but immediate and technical, almost invisible, which is perhaps the most unsettling part.
Russian spacecraft under suspicion
For years, European military and civilian space agencies have been closely monitoring two Russian spacecraft, Luch-1 and Luch-2, whose orbital behavior has consistently raised concerns. Officials believe these objects are capable of intercepting satellite communications and potentially interfering with satellite operations.
Since its launch in 2023, Luch-2 alone has reportedly approached 17 European satellites, executing what experts describe as “suspicious maneuvers.” Such proximity operations can allow spacecraft to intercept radio signals, eavesdrop on encrypted traffic, or, in extreme cases, disrupt onboard systems.
European intelligence assessments warn that these actions could lead not only to data breaches but also to technical malfunctions or even satellite collisions. In space, a small miscalculation can turn into catastrophic debris, silently multiplying risk.
Compromised communications and strategic risk
The intercepted data reportedly includes confidential government communications and some military transmissions, information that sits at the core of national security. Officials have not revealed the affected countries, but the scope indicates a risk to multiple states rather than isolated incidents.
According to European security sources cited by the Financial Times, intelligence gathered through space-based interception could enable Moscow to better coordinate hybrid operations against EU countries. These may include:
- Cyber attacks targeting government infrastructure
- Coordinated disinformation campaigns
- Synchronized hacking operations exploiting real-time intelligence
Once perceived as neutral territory, space now deeply intertwines with terrestrial security. The quiet nature of satellite interference makes attribution difficult and response even harder.
Europe accelerates space defense investments
Against this backdrop, EU countries are accelerating investment in sovereign space capabilities. Last week, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius announced the launch of the Govsatcom program, which is designed to integrate and protect the existing satellite communications of all 27 member states.
Govsatcom aims to reduce fragmentation and improve resilience by pooling national assets, a pragmatic move, though some insiders privately admit it is overdue.
Looking further ahead, the European Union plans to establish a fully secure satellite communications system by 2030 dedicated to military intelligence and defense operations. This initiative reflects growing unease about long-term reliance on external partners, particularly as doubts persist over the future level of United States commitment to European defense.
Strategic autonomy moves beyond Earth
On February 3, the EU also announced plans to build a military data exchange platform without US participation by 2030. While officially framed as an efficiency measure, the timing underscores Europe’s broader push for strategic autonomy across defense, cyber, and space domains.
The satellite revelations confirm a reality that many policymakers have been reluctant to acknowledge: Europe’s digital and orbital infrastructure now serves as a critical asset. Protecting it requires coordination, funding, and political resolve, all at once, which is never simple.
For now, European agencies continue to monitor Russian spacecraft activity closely. But space, by nature, offers few barriers and even fewer second chances.
