Airbus Secures Major Contract for Bundeswehr's Advanced Military Satellite System

Airbus Secures Major Contract for Bundeswehr's Advanced Military Satellite System
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jul 08, 2024

The German Bundeswehr has selected Airbus for the SATCOMBw 3 prime contract, a next-generation secure military satellite system project, worth euro 2.1 billion. This contract encompasses geostationary satellites, ground segment, launch, and operation for a 15-year period, with deployments expected by the decade's end.

Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, remarked, "After the success of the SATCOMBw Stage 2 programme, 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. At a time when Western democracies are challenged and where the European institutional space ecosystem is struggling, we are excited and grateful to develop and build this leading-edge system. Long term partnerships are crucial to guaranteeing essential sovereignty and capability, and protecting our armed forces in the increasingly unstable geo-political environment."

The project includes the design, integration, testing, and in-orbit delivery of two new military GEO telecommunications satellites built by Airbus, succeeding COMSATBw 1B and 2B. The contract also entails upgrading the existing ground segment to support the new satellites and providing operational services for 15 years, with an extension option.

These new Airbus satellites, built on the Eurostar Neo platform, will each weigh about 6 metric tons and incorporate advanced technologies to meet the evolving demands of digitalization and data transfer.

A significant aspect of the contract is its strong German value chain, involving partners like Bremen-based OHB and several smaller German companies. Key components such as advanced payload guidance, solar arrays, and overall spacecraft operation will be managed from Germany.

The Bundeswehr's SATCOMBw satellite communications system is crucial for autonomous and deployable communication and information services, ensuring the global command capabilities of the German armed forces, including operational contingents and special forces. The SATCOMBw 3 initiative also aims to meet NATO's future commitments. The project is a response to increased user demands.