Australia and Germany agree to build joint space early-warning system

Yesterday 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Australia and Germany agree to build joint space early-warning system

Australia and Germany committed Thursday to develop a shared space-based early-warning system. The pact targets growing orbital threats from Russia and China. The agreement marks a historic deepening of defense ties between these middle powers [thenewdaily.com.au].

Defense ministers Boris Pistorius of Germany and Richard Marles of Australia signed a letter of intent on space cooperation at Parliament House in Canberra. Pistorius called the move a direct response to Moscow and Beijing's abilities to jam, blind, and destroy satellites. Germany plans a global network of independent surveillance sensors and will invest over 35 billion euros in space systems in coming years. The deal paves the way for Australian sensor deployments [AFP].

The ministers also pledged to pursue a status of forces agreement. This would streamline troop deployments across borders. Marles noted it would greatly ease defense operations between their nations. Their joint statement recognized that shared security interests now transcend geography.

The visit produced defense industry deals as well. Australia nears a cooperation letter with German missile maker TDW for warheads on Joint Strike Missiles and Naval Strike Missiles produced locally. Discussions involved Electro Optic Systems, creator of the high-energy "Apollo" laser weapon scalable to 150 kilowatts. That system can destroy 20 to 50 drones per minute. Pistorius praised Australian laser innovation as Germany scouts global solutions.

Pistorius wrapped a Asia-Pacific tour including Japan and Singapore. He stressed the linkage between European and Indo-Pacific security as two sides of the same coin. The German minister warned against over-reliance on single suppliers, citing past excessive dependence on China for supply chains and the U.S. for weapons systems.