German military satellites to fly on Ariane 6 under new Arianespace contract

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German military satellites to fly on Ariane 6 under new Arianespace contract

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German military satellites to fly on Ariane 6 under new Arianespace contract
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Sep 25, 2025

Arianespace has secured a contract to launch two SATCOMBw Stufe 3 satellites for the German Armed Forces using Ariane 6 heavy-lift rockets from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The new satellites will replace the Bundeswehr's COMSATBw 1 and 2 communications platforms.

Airbus serves as prime contractor for the SATCOMBw Stufe 3 program, responsible for satellite design, integration, testing, and delivery in orbit. The contract also covers ground segment upgrades and operational services for 15 years, with potential for extension.

Built by ArianeGroup, a Franco-German industrial partnership, the Ariane 6 launcher family provides Europe with independent access to space. The vehicle has now fully demonstrated reliability and precision in missions for both commercial and governmental customers.

"By signing this new strategic contract for the German Armed Forces, Arianespace accomplishes its core mission of guaranteeing an autonomous access to space for European sovereign satellites," said David Cavailloles, CEO of Arianespace. "More than ever, providing secure space defense systems is key and we are proud to do so with Europe's heavy rocket Ariane 6 which has now fully demonstrated its reliability, precision and performance."

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