Airbus has been awarded the SATCOMBw 3 prime contract by Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, for the next-generation secure military satellite system. This contract includes geostationary satellites, a ground segment, launch, and operation for a duration of 15 years. The spacecraft is scheduled to be deployed prior to the conclusion of the decade, with a contract value totaling €2.1 billion.
Michael Schoellhorn, the CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, shared his perspective on the agreement with the Bundeswehr. He emphasized the ongoing success of cooperation that originated from the SATCOMBw Stage 2 program in 2009. Schoellhorn highlighted that this recent deal would greatly bolster the Bundeswehr’s secure military satellite communication capabilities, guaranteeing their efficacy until the 2040s.
The CEO recognized the present difficulties confronting Western democracies and the European institutional space ecology. Given these circumstances, he expressed enthusiasm and thankfulness for the chance to create and build this sophisticated system.
Schoellhorn emphasized the significance of establishing enduring alliances to protect fundamental independence and capacities. He observed that these collaborations are essential for safeguarding military capabilities in a progressively unstable geopolitical environment.
The contract encompasses designing, integrating, testing, and delivering two new military GEO telecommunications satellites manufactured by Airbus. These satellites serve as the next generation of communication satellites, replacing COMSATBw 1B and 2B. The project also involves enhancing the current ground segment to manage the new satellites and providing operational services for 15 years, with the potential for an extension.
The latest Airbus satellites are built on the Eurostar Neo platform and will weigh approximately six metric tons. They will have comprehensive capabilities to effectively adapt to the rapid changes in digitalization and the ever-growing demand for data transmission. In addition, they will incorporate the most advanced cutting-edge technologies.
An essential component of the agreement is a comprehensive German value chain that includes partners such as OHB, a company based in Bremen, and several smaller German enterprises. Germany will be responsible for the central aspects of the spacecraft, which include guiding and integrating advanced payloads, managing the solar arrays, and overseeing overall spacecraft operations.
The SATCOMBw, the satellite communications system of the Bundeswehr, is crucial for providing autonomous and self-sufficient communication and information services. It guarantees the German military’s worldwide command and information capacity, including operational units and elite troops. The primary objective of the SATCOMBw 3 project is to guarantee the fulfillment of NATO’s obligations in this domain for the foreseeable future. The Bundeswehr is addressing heightened user demands by implementing SATCOMBw 3.
