16.10.2024

U.S. Space Force Gen. Stephen Whiting, U.S. Space Command commander, welcomed representatives from seven nations during a multilateral meeting about Operation Olympic Defender (OOD) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 12, 2024. Credit: U.S. Space Command

WASHINGTON — France and Germany formally joined Operation Olympic Defender, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at bolstering international cooperation in space defense, U.S. Space Command announced Oct. 14. 

The move signals a deepening of military space ties between Europe and the United States, as concerns grow over the militarization of outer space.

In existence since 2013, the multinational Operation Olympic Defender is overseen by U.S. Space Command. It coordinates efforts among partner nations to protect space assets from potential threats, including cyberattacks, satellite jamming and anti-satellite weapons. The coalition previously included the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. New Zealand officially joined in September. The newest members France and Germany bring significant military and technological capabilities to the group.

France, which has ramped up its military space efforts in recent years, established its own Space Command in 2019, emphasizing its ambition to be a leader in European space defense. Germany, too, has advanced space surveillance capabilities.

As nations increasingly rely on space-based systems for civilian and military purposes, ensuring their protection has become a strategic priority, said the commander of U.S. Space Command Gen. Stephen Whiting. Satellites, once primarily viewed as tools of communication and science, are now seen as potential targets in the event of a conflict.

France and Germany are joining the coalition at a time of heightened tension in space, with both China and Russia demonstrating their ability to disrupt or destroy satellites. Operation Olympic Defender aims to deter such actions through collective defense, shared intelligence, and the promotion of international norms for responsible space activity. 

Ceremonies in Berlin, Paris

Germany’s official entry into Operation Olympic Defender was marked by a formal ceremony in Berlin, where Whiting joined Lt. Gen. Gunter Schneider, director-general for military strategy and operations at the German Ministry of Defence, and representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“Space is truly a team sport. The addition of Germany to our roster of growing like-minded partners contributes to our collective ability to address the growing threats in the domain,” said Whiting.

Schneider said allied efforts to increase space domain awareness “will not only lead to a better understanding of the space domain but it will also dissuade possible adversaries from dangerous and escalatory behavior in space as they will have to take into account that we can closely observe and evaluate each of their actions.”

In a separate ceremony in Paris, France’s official entry into Operation Olympic Defender was recognized by Maj. Gen. Phillipe Adam, French Space Command commander, and representatives from the other members of the alliance.

France’s participation in this multinational effort, said Adam, “marks a new stage in the conduct of military space operations in coalition and sends out a clear message of strategic solidarity with our allies.”