The Bundeswehr, the German military, has given Airbus the SATCOMBw 3 prime contract for the next generation of secure military satellite systems, which comprises ground segment, launch, and operation over a 15-year period in addition to geostationary satellites. The contract is worth €2.1 billion, and the spacecraft must be deployed before the end of the decade.
“After the success of the SATCOMBw Stage 2 program, which we have been delivering since 2009, this latest contract reinforces our strategic partnership with the Bundeswehr, providing them with a greatly enhanced secure milsatcom capability that is future proofed into the 2040s,” stated Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. We are thrilled and appreciative to be developing and constructing this cutting-edge system during a period when Western democracies are under attack and the European institutional space ecology is having difficulties. In the increasingly uncertain geopolitical climate, maintaining fundamental sovereignty and competence as well as safeguarding our military forces depend on long-term relationships.
The two new military GEO communications satellites developed by Airbus, which are the replacements for COMSATBw 1B and 2B, are covered by the contract for their design, integration, testing, and in-orbit delivery. In addition, it entails modernizing the current ground segment to run the new satellites and providing operational services for a period of 15 years, with potential for renewal.
The next generation of Airbus satellites will be roughly six metric tons in weight and will be constructed on the Eurostar Neo platform. They use cutting-edge technologies into their improved capabilities to suit the demands of expanding digitalization and data transfer. With partners like OHB, the deal highlights a strong German value chain with an emphasis on spacecraft operation, solar arrays, and innovative payload integration.
The satellite communications system (SATCOMBw) of the Bundeswehr is essential for autonomous and independently deployable information services and communications. It guarantees the German military services’ worldwide command and information capacity, including that of its special forces and operational contingents. In addition, the SATCOMBw 3 project seeks to guarantee future fulfillment of NATO’s obligations in this field under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Bundeswehr is adapting to growing user demands with SATCOMBw 3.
