Space & Satellites
Eutelsat Orders 340 New LEO Satellites from Airbus for OneWeb Expansion
Eutelsat Group contracts Airbus to build 340 additional LEO satellites, expanding the OneWeb constellation to 440 units with deliveries starting late 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
On January 12, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space confirmed it has been awarded a significant contract by Eutelsat Group to manufacture 340 new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. This agreement marks a critical expansion of the OneWeb constellation, reinforcing Europe’s position in the competitive space-based connectivity market.
According to the official announcement, this new order supplements a previous agreement signed in December 2024 for 100 satellites. Consequently, the total procurement now stands at 440 spacecraft. These units are essential for the replenishment and technical upgrading of the OneWeb network, ensuring service continuity for enterprise and government clients globally.
Production is set to take place at Airbus’s facility in Toulouse, France, utilizing a newly installed assembly line designed for mass production. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in late 2026.
The contract underscores a deepening industrial partnership between the two European aerospace giants. By centralizing production in Toulouse, the deal aligns with Eutelsat’s stated goal of maintaining “European sovereignty” in critical space infrastructure. As the only global LEO operator based in Europe, Eutelsat OneWeb serves as a strategic alternative to US-based constellations.
Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat, emphasized the importance of this order for the company’s long-term roadmap:
“These new satellites ensure service continuity for the growing number of our customers… and enable us to pursue our growth path.”
, Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat
While the official press release did not disclose the specific financial value of the contract, industry analysts estimate the total extension program could range between €2.0 and €2.2 billion, reflecting the scale of the manufacturing effort required to deliver 440 satellites starting in late 2026. The new satellites will be built on the Airbus “Arrow” platform, a modular architecture designed for cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing. However, these units represent a technological leap forward compared to the first generation of OneWeb satellites.
A key feature of this new batch is the integration of advanced digital channelizers. Unlike traditional analog transponders, which act as simple “bent pipes” reflecting signals back to Earth, digital channelizers allow the satellite to process signals onboard. This capability offers two distinct advantages:
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, noted the significance of this technological endorsement:
“This latest contract… is an endorsement of our design and manufacturing expertise for LEO satellites. Airbus has been a key partner and supplier to Eutelsat for more than 30 years.”
, Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus
This procurement arrives during a period of intense competition in the LEO sector. Eutelsat OneWeb is currently competing against massive constellations funded by US technology giants. According to market-analysis from early 2026, SpaceX’s Starlink operates over 9,400 satellites, while Amazon’s Project Kuiper has begun commercial service with over 150 satellites in orbit.
Despite the disparity in sheer numbers, Eutelsat currently operates over 600 satellites, the European operator differentiates itself through a “multi-orbit” strategy. By combining the low latency of LEO satellites with the high throughput of its Geostationary (GEO) fleet, Eutelsat targets enterprise-grade Service Level Agreements (SLAs) rather than the direct-to-consumer market dominated by Starlink.
The Sovereignty Play: We observe that the explicit framing of this deal around “European sovereignty” is not merely marketing rhetoric; it is a business strategy. As the European Union advances its IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) project, Eutelsat is positioning itself as the primary anchor tenant for sovereign EU communications. By manufacturing in Toulouse and integrating with 5G terrestrial networks, Eutelsat is effectively locking in future government and defense contracts that require non-US supply chains.
Replenishment vs. Expansion: While the order for 340 satellites sounds like a massive expansion, we analyze this primarily as a replenishment cycle. LEO satellites have shorter lifespans (typically 5–7 years) compared to GEO satellites (15+ years). To maintain a constellation of 600+ active units, Eutelsat must maintain a continuous production line. This contract ensures that as Gen 1 satellites deorbit, Gen 2 satellites with higher capabilities will seamlessly take their place, preventing service gaps for critical B2B clients.
When will the new satellites launch? How many total satellites did Eutelsat order? What is the main technical upgrade? Where are the satellites being built?
Eutelsat Group Orders 340 Additional Satellites from Airbus to Fortify LEO Constellation
Manufacturing and Strategic Scope
Technical Evolution: The “Gen 2” Upgrade
Digital Channelizers
Market Context and Competition
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Deliveries from the Airbus facility in Toulouse are scheduled to begin in late 2026, with launches likely following shortly thereafter.
The January 12, 2026 announcement covers 340 satellites. Combined with a December 2024 order for 100 units, the total current procurement is 440 satellites.
The inclusion of digital channelizers allows for flexible signal processing, enabling the satellites to redirect capacity to specific areas and resist jamming attempts.
They are being manufactured at a new dedicated production line at Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus