FT has learned about Rheinmetall and OHB's plans to create a German equivalent of Starlink

German companies Rheinmetall and OHB are discussing the creation of a military satellite Internet service modeled on Starlink for the Bundeswehr. This was reported on January 26 by the Financial Times (FT) newspaper, citing sources.

"Discussions are underway on a partnership that will give the groups access to a share of Berlin's €35 billion budget for military space technology," the article says.

According to the FT, the planned joint venture will apply for a multibillion-dollar contract to create a secure satellite communications network in low-Earth orbit for the German armed forces. Officials call the project a "military Starlink for the Bundeswehr."

The publication clarifies that negotiations are underway against the background of Germany's desire to quickly increase military capabilities and reduce dependence on the United States. Rheinmetall, which has traditionally produced tanks and ammunition, at the end of last year received the first €2 billion space contract for the production of satellites jointly with the Finnish company Iceye.

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On January 21, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares launched an initiative to create a European army and form a "coalition of the willing" to ensure the security of the European Union (EU) countries. According to him, the coalition can include both EU member states and those states that seek closer cooperation with Europe.

Earlier, on January 20, political analyst Ivan Mezyuho, in an interview with Izvestia, said that Europe does not have any strategic autonomy and economic sovereignty, which French President Emmanuel Macron is talking about. He stressed that in the current conditions, the main task is to "save European interests" in the context of the idea of "the right of the strong."

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