Bundeswehr: Beep, beep little satellite

The German Armed Forces are procuring new communication satellites that will allow for the efficient and secure transmission of information worldwide. Today, a contract for the delivery and operation of communication satellites was signed with Airbus Defence and Space (ADS) GmbH as the main contractor at the Procurement Office of the German Armed Forces. The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved the project at the end of June.

The potential uses of the new satellites are diverse. In the future, the German Armed Forces will not only ensure but also expand their worldwide command capabilities and information supply for their own and allied troops and operational units with technologically advanced communication satellites. The system will provide the German Armed Forces with an independent, combat-ready satellite communication system.

The new satellite communication system of the German Armed Forces (SATCOMBw) Stage 3 will replace the still operational satellites COMSATBw 1 and 2. As a replacement for the current German military-owned geostationary satellites, SATCOMBw Stage 3 has significantly increased performance capabilities.

The total financial requirements for the project amount to approximately 2.2 billion euros including production, manufacturing, and operation. The project will be financed for a duration of 15 years from the special assets of the German Armed Forces and starting from 2027 from the defense budget (Section 14).