Reuters
• Cassell Bryan-Low
The United Kingdom has spent nearly $40 million on SpaceX satellite services for military communications, according to information released through a freedom of information request. The disclosure makes the UK the first country outside the United States to publicly acknowledge adopting Starshield, SpaceX’s military and intelligence-focused service.
Space Defense & Militarization
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The United Kingdom has spent nearly $40 million on SpaceX satellite services for military communications, according to information released through a freedom of information request. The disclosure makes the UK the first country outside the United States to publicly acknowledge adopting Starshield, SpaceX’s military and intelligence-focused service.
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Eutelsat has awarded Aerospacelab, Thales Alenia Space and Airbus contracts covering all 330 satellites in IRIS2’s LEO component, including a €5.4 billion package, while ordering 229 additional OneWeb satellites from Airbus and adding thermal-imaging and French government aviation connectivity partnerships.
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MBDA and Safran won approval to supply France’s new long-range land-strike capability, while the U.S. expanded military connectivity with 21 PWSA Tranche-1 satellites. Separate awards include up to $4.84 billion for Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM system, $4.7 billion to L3Harris for PAC-3 MSE propulsion and $343.2 million for T56 sustainment.
The Arctic security debate is expanding beyond bases, ships and submarines as space infrastructure becomes part of the region’s strategic competition. The shift highlights the growing importance of northern approaches to space-enabled security and defense planning.
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Cailabs is introducing shared optical ground-station infrastructure, while ICEYE and Arianespace will evaluate Ariane 6 for sovereign SAR missions. Poland’s EYCORE reported first imagery from its inaugural radar satellite, and BAE Systems and the U.S. Space Force completed a critical design review for Epoch 2 missile-warning satellites planned for 2029.
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The U.S. military has conducted its first “live fly” exercise simulating orbital dogfighting, testing the ability to maneuver persistently and at scale in space. The exercise reflects a shift toward operationalizing space-based maneuver and contesting control of the orbital environment.
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European space leaders and international partners gathered in Paris to strengthen the continent’s position in a space market dominated by the United States. Discussions center on launch autonomy, independent satellite infrastructure, orbital sustainability and security—while the absence of SpaceX and Blue Origin underscores Europe’s dependence on American providers.
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The Pentagon now expects to procure 337 national-security launch services, up from 151 in its 2022 baseline, as the U.S. military and intelligence community expand satellite deployments. The increase underscores rising demand for launch capacity while newer providers struggle to displace SpaceX’s dominant position.
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