Germany has been an official member of Operation Olympic Defender (ODD) since 11 October 2024. The accession was preceded by a visit from General Stephen N. Whiting, Commander of the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), the space command of the German Armed Forces. The aim of the US-led multinational space operation is to ensure the unhindered utilisation of space in the long term.
During his visit, Whiting discussed future cooperation within the framework of the ODD with the Commander of the German Armed Forces Space Command, Major General Michael Traut. In future, the German Armed Forces Space Command will serve as the national interface to the ODD partners.
Specifically, the ‘Planning and Command of Space Operations’ department will coordinate cooperation with the partner commands and German participation in the planning and command process of the operation. This makes Germany the fifth ODD member alongside the USA. The members Great Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand have so far given the alliance an English face. As France joined the alliance this week alongside Germany, it now also has significant memberships in continental Europe.
Together, the partners are committed to ensuring the unrestricted military use of space by the partner nations, if necessary with military space operations to defend against threats, and to developing a joint situational picture of space activities. In addition, the ODD claims to provide mutual support for military operations from space through data, services and products.
‘Space is truly a team sport. The addition of Germany to our growing list of like-minded partners helps ensure that together we are able to address the growing threats in this area and ensure that space remains safe for future generations,’ said Mr Whiting.
