European nations are increasing investments in non-destructive space defense technologies. The Secure World Foundation’s 2026 Global Counterspace Capabilities report notes that European programs are developing defensive satellites designed to protect government assets by influencing adversarial spacecraft without creating orbital debris.
All 27 EU member states recently approved a collective framework to address orbital threats. Additionally, the UK Ministry of Defence established a Space Effects Squadron tasked with disrupting and countering hostile activity against British interests, with plans to utilize commercial sector solutions for electronic warfare and countermeasures.
UK-based startup Lodestar Space is developing co-orbital spacecraft capable of autonomous response. CEO Thomas Santini stated that the company aims to provide allied forces with a range of defensive options, moving from observation to active response in relevant orbits.
In the US, the startup Fortastra has secured $30 million in a Series A funding round to develop next-generation orbital defense spacecraft. The round was led by First In, with participation from investors including Upfront, Space Capital, Rsquared, Side Door Ventures, and ATX Ventures.
