Airbus Lands Groundbreaking Deal to Provide Cutting-Edge Military Satellites for Germany’s Defense Forces
Munich, 04 July 2024 – Germany’s armed services, the Bundeswehr, have awarded Airbus the primary SATCOMBw 3 contract for the forthcoming secure military satellite communication system, which integrates geostationary satellites alongside ground infrastructure, launch services, and operations over a duration of 15 years. The satellite system is anticipated to be launched before this decade concludes, and the total contract value amounts to €2.1 billion.
Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, stated: “Following the success of the SATCOMBw Stage 2 project, which we have been implementing since 2009, this new contract enhances our strategic partnership with the Bundeswehr, providing them with a substantially upgraded secure military communication capability that is designed for sustainability into the 2040s. In a landscape where Western democracies encounter numerous challenges and the European space ecosystem faces obstacles, we are excited and grateful to design and develop this innovative system. Long-term alliances are essential to ensure critical sovereignty and capacity, protecting our military forces in the increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment.”
The agreement includes the design, integration, testing, and orbit delivery of two newly-developed Airbus military GEO telecommunications satellites, which will take the place of the COMSATBw 1B and 2B communication satellites. It also covers the upgrade of the current ground segment to control the new satellites and operational services for 15 years, with options for extension.
The next-generation Airbus satellites are constructed on the Eurostar Neo platform and will have a mass of approximately 6 metric tons. They will feature extensive capabilities to adjust to rapid advancements in digitalization and the ever-increasing need for data transfer. Furthermore, they will integrate the latest innovative technologies.
A vital element of the overall contract is a sturdy German value chain involving partners such as Bremen-based OHB and a range of smaller German enterprises. Key elements, including the guidance and integration of state-of-the-art payloads, solar arrays, and overall spacecraft operations, will be overseen from Germany.
The Bundeswehr’s satellite communication system (SATCOMBw) is critical for autonomous and self-sufficient communication and information services. It ensures the global command and information capabilities of the German military, encompassing operational contingents and special operations forces. The SATCOMBw 3 initiative also aims to guarantee that NATO’s commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in this field will endure in the future. With SATCOMBw 3, the Bundeswehr is addressing rising user requirements.
