The contract includes launch of of the satellites and 15-year support. (Image: Airbus)
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.
The Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) is a C2 system designed to integrate current and future sensors. The system also improves the ability of combatant commanders and air defenders to make critical decisions using real time data.
The Pentagon recently confirmed that Moscow launched a LEO satellite that could offer a counter-space capability. Media news outlets also reported that the Kremlin was approaching initial trials.
The HF XL family was unveiled at last month’s Eurosatory 2024 with the company pushing the system’s capability of searching out unjammed channels or channels with the highest data rate available.
Ground Warden AI technology will offer further support and coordination assistance for combat missile systems, while enhancing decision-making on the battlefield.
As shown at Eurosatory 2024, the inclusion of Prism AI software into the Hadron 640 has allowed for a wider number of roles with a faster provision of data and information for decision-making in police and crowd security roles.
The 6x6 Griffon VOA specialist vehicle uses a mix of mast-mounted electro-optics and radar to locate and designate targets primarily for French Army artillery batteries, but can also perform the same role for combat aircraft and helicopters. The Thales mission package is platform-agnostic and could be integrated on other vehicle families for export.
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