Germany Army Awards Airbus €2.1B Satellite Contract

The German Army (Bundeswehr) has awarded Airbus a €2.1 billion contract for a secure military satellite system, with deployment before the end of the decade.

The satellite system will include satellites, ground segment, launch, and operation for 15 years.

Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said this latest contract provides the Bundeswehr with secure milsatcom capability that is future proofed into the 2040s.

The contract covers the design, integration, test and in orbit delivery of two new Airbus built military GEO telecommunications satellites which are the successor communications satellites 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 metric tons. They will have extensive capabilities to keep pace with the rapid changes in digitalisation and the constantly increasing volume of data transfer required.

The project will involve collaboration with Bremen-based OHB and numerous smaller German companies. Central elements including the guidance and integration of the advanced payloads, the solar arrays and overall operation of the spacecraft will be from Germany. 

The Bundeswehr's satellite communications system (SATCOMBw) is indispensable for autonomous and independently deployable communications and information services. It ensures the global command and information capability of the German armed forces, such as operational contingents and special forces. The SATCOMBw 3 project also aims to ensure that NATO's North Atlantic Treaty Organisation commitments in this area will continue to be met in the future.