Eutelsat and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces have entered a landmark agreement aimed at enhancing military satellite communications through low Earth orbit (LEO) technology. This partnership marks the first concrete step in the Ministry’s NEXUS (Neo-Espace pour de multiples Usages Sécurisés) initiative, which seeks to integrate military and commercial assets to improve national space-based defense infrastructure.
The ten-year deal, signed by the French defence procurement agency (DGA), could be worth up to €1 billion. It grants the military priority access to Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO satellite network and includes services such as secure operational support, system maintenance, and future upgrades to ensure the constellation meets military-grade standards.
Eutelsat CEO Jean-François Fallacher highlighted the importance of the agreement, emphasizing the value of LEO satellites in modern military operations. He noted that Eutelsat currently operates the only commercial LEO network capable of meeting stringent defense requirements ahead of the European IRIS2 system’s deployment.
While France is committed to the EU’s IRIS2 initiative—a future 290-satellite constellation offering pan-European connectivity by 2030—officials have acknowledged the need for more immediate capabilities due to pressing global security concerns.
The IRIS2 constellation, backed by a consortium including SES, Eutelsat, Hispasat, and major aerospace firms like Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space, aims to serve both government agencies and underserved regions across Europe with secure, high-speed broadband.
In parallel, Eutelsat is reportedly in advanced talks to raise up to €1.5 billion from investors. Bloomberg reports that discussions involve the French and UK governments, shipping giant CMA CGM, and the Fonds Stratégique de Participations. If successful, the move would see France’s ownership in Eutelsat rise from 13.6 percent to 30 percent.