The German armed forces’ “Spock” radar‑satellite system is already expected to cost more than originally planned. A confidential draft from the Finance Ministry sent to the Bundestag’s budget committee, reported by “Der Spiegel”, shows the projected total could reach €579.5 million.
According to the draft, the exact funding needs for the operator contract would only become known “in the final tender phase at the end of 2025” meaning they could not have been factored into the 2026 budget. The ministry insists the payment cannot wait for the next budget law. The new tank brigade will begin operations in Lithuania on 1 October, and any delay in launching “Spock” would jeopardise the safety of units on site.
Radar satellites can acquire imagery even under adverse conditions. The Bundeswehr intends to employ this technology for its new Tank Brigade 45 in Lithuania, to detect potential mobilisation or marching activities of enemy forces early.
The contract was awarded directly to the German‑Finnish joint venture Rheinmetall Iceye Space Solutions (Riss). The originally planned price was €1.76 billion. If the Bundeswehr takes advantage of additional options in the agreement, the cost ceiling has already been set higher, with a maximum figure of more than €2.7 billion up to 2033.
