JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Airbus, Thales Win Order for SpainSat Replacement

August 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Airbus and Thales win contract for SpainSat NG 3.
Satellite will provide communications services for Spanish military and allies.
Scheduled to launch in Q3 2030 and enter service in early 2031.
Includes technological enhancements for greater operational agility.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This contract win may indicate Airbus and Thales' growing presence in the European space industry, which could strengthen their competitive position in the market. The partnership suggests a collaborative approach to meeting the region's military communications needs, which may set a precedent for future joint ventures.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

European Companies Partner on Military Communications Satellite

Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space have been selected to build a replacement military communications satellite for Spain, known as SpainSat NG 3. The satellite will provide communications services for the Spanish military and its allies, and is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2030 and enter service in early 2031. The contract win is part of a broader effort by the two companies, along with Leonardo, to combine their space businesses into a joint venture, code-named Project Bromo. This development was first reported by SpaceNews.

Source | Originally Published: July 31, 2026

Companies Mentioned