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Airbus and Thales to build SpainSat NG-III secure military communications satellite

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Airbus Defence and Space will lead the development and construction of SpainSat NG-III for Hisdesat, with Thales Alenia Space as partner. The satellite will replace Spain’s existing military communications capability and is described by Airbus as Europe’s most advanced secure communications satellite.

Discovered 2026-08-02T16:49:53.542065-07:00 | 2026-08-02T16:49:53.542065-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • Spain is committing to a new secure military communications satellite, reinforcing the strategic importance of sovereign and resilient space-based communications.
  • Airbus will serve as prime contractor, while Thales Alenia Space participates in construction—an award that underscores the role of major European primes in defense-space programs.
  • SpainSat NG-III will replace an existing capability and is positioned as a significant upgrade in Europe’s secure communications infrastructure.

Reported By

SpaceNews.com Satellite Evolution APAC Defence Reporter
Sources Tracked
3
First Seen
2026-08-02T16:49:53.542065-07:00
Latest Update
2026-08-03T05:33:01.855788-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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