Airbus awarded $2.27 billion contract for next gen German satellite system
The contract includes launch of of the satellites and 15-year support. (Image: Airbus)
The new-generation Airbus satellites are based on the Eurostar Neo platform and will weigh around 6,000kg.
Airbus will provide the German Armed Forces with satellite communications over the next 15 years under a €2.1 billion (US$2.27 billion) contract awarded on 4 July.
The SATCOMBw 3 prime contract is for a next-generation secure military system which includes supplying geostationary satellites and their launch, with spacecraft to be deployed before the end of the decade.
The contract covers design, integration, test and in-orbit delivery of two new Airbus-built military GEO telecommunications satellites which are the successors to COMSATBw 1B and 2B.
It also includes upgrading of the existing ground segment to operate the new satellites as well as operational services for 15 years, with the possibility of extension.
The new-generation Airbus satellites are based on the Eurostar Neo platform and will weigh around 6,000kg. They are designed to have extensive capabilities to keep pace with changes in digitalisation and the constantly increasing volume of data transfer required and feature a number of new technologies.
The SATCOMBw 3 project also aims to ensure that NATO's commitments in this area will continue to be met in the future.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
