German defence‑maker Rheinmetall is in talks with satellite producer OHB to launch a joint venture that would build a low‑Earth‑orbit communication network for the Bundeswehr, described as a "military Starlink". The partnership could bid for a contract worth up to 10 billion euros, drawing on Berlin’s recent pledge of 35 billion euros for military space technology. OHB’s shares rose 28 % after a Financial Times report on the negotiations. Rheinmetall, headquartered in Düsseldorf, has already secured a 1.7 billion‑euro order from the German armed forces for satellite‑based digitalisation services. The project would compete with a Franco‑German Airbus‑Thales‑Leonardo alliance that also aims to develop European space capabilities. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the 35‑billion‑euro investment last year, while OHB CEO Marco Fuchs warned that the Airbus partnership could threaten other market players.

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