ESA initiates historic move into defense projects

(MENAFN) The European Space Agency (ESA) will for the first time undertake defense-related projects, marking what officials describe as a “historic” shift. A resolution by ESA’s 23 member states authorizes the agency to develop space systems “for security and defense.”

The move comes amid broader EU and NATO efforts to expand military capabilities, with leaders citing Russia as a potential threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the initiative, accusing Europe of exaggerating dangers to advance political agendas and benefit the arms industry.

ESA’s budget for 2026–2028 is set at a record €22.1 billion ($24 billion), up from €17 billion ($18.36 billion). Germany leads contributions with €5 billion ($5.4 billion), followed by France and Italy with over €3 billion ($3.24 billion) each. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher noted that Poland played a key role in pushing the agency toward defense projects and is negotiating to host a security-focused ESA center.

Across Europe, defense spending is surging. The European Commission’s “ReArm Europe” initiative plans hundreds of billions for joint weapons procurement and infrastructure, while member states’ arms purchases have risen nearly 40% in a single year, with R&D budgets also climbing sharply.

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