Media: Russia may have intercepted communications from 10 key European satellites

Russian spacecraft may have intercepted communications from at least ten key satellites belonging to European countries, putting the confidentiality of sensitive state information across the continent at risk.

The Financial Times said representatives of European security services believe that two Russian spacecraft have been able to intercept a number of satellites. This could lead to disruptions in their operation or even cause them to fall out of orbit.

In addition, confidential information transmitted via these satellites has been put at risk, particularly classified government communications and certain military messages.

For several years, Europe's military and civilian space agencies have been monitoring the activity of Luch-1 and Luch-2 – two Russian objects that have repeatedly carried out suspicious manoeuvres in orbit.

Since its launch in 2023, Luch-2 has approached 17 European satellites.

The intelligence collected by Russia in space could help Moscow coordinate hybrid attacks against European countries, particularly cyber operations.

Against this backdrop, EU countries have begun investing more actively in the space sector. Last week, Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, announced the launch of the Govsatcom programme, which will integrate the existing satellite communication capabilities of all 27 EU member states.

On 15 March 2025, the FT reported that the EU was also preparing to establish a secure satellite communications system for military intelligence purposes by 2030 as doubts grew about the US commitment to European defence.

It was reported on 3 February that the EU plans to create a platform for sharing military data independently of the US by 2030.