Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, and RADMOR Partner on Poland’s Defense Satellite

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

On April 20, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, and Polish technology firm RADMOR announced a strategic industrial cooperation agreement to develop a new geostationary defense telecommunications satellite for the Polish Ministry of Defence. According to the official press release, the partnership aims to deliver a highly resilient, end-to-end secure communications system for Poland’s armed forces.

The announcement took place in Gdansk, Poland, during a ceremony attended by Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin. The event coincided with celebrations of the fellowship day between Poland and France, highlighting the deep industrial ties between the two nations.

This collaboration represents a significant step in European defense integration. By combining the expertise of major European aerospace contractors with domestic Polish industry, the project seeks to bolster Poland’s national space sovereignty in an increasingly contested orbital environment.

Enhancing Poland’s Space Sovereignty

The new geostationary satellite is being developed as part of the European Commission’s “Readiness 2030” plan, which was initiated in 2025. As detailed in the Airbus press release, the system is designed to provide secure communications with a very high level of robustness and resilience.

With the return of high-intensity conflicts and emerging threats in space, the partners emphasize that the system will be fully cyber-secured across both its ground and space segments. The satellite will incorporate advanced anti-jamming technologies to ensure uninterrupted operational connectivity for military forces.

Industrial Cooperation and Expertise

The consortium brings together specialized capabilities from each of the three partners. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), and Airbus Defence and Space will provide their extensive experience in military communications payloads, mission control, and satellite platform design. RADMOR will contribute its expertise in secure ground infrastructure and cybersecurity.

In the company’s press release, Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, highlighted the strategic importance of the project:

“We are proud to lead this strategic industrial cooperation, delivering cutting-edge secure communications capabilities to the Polish Ministry of National Defence. This geostationary satellite project will embody the highest standards of resilience, cybersecurity, and anti-jamming technologies, reflecting our commitment to strengthening European defence sovereignty.”, Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space

Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, also noted in the release that the partnership exemplifies European cross-border cooperation, fostering innovation and industrial competitiveness while building on Airbus’s decades-long relationship with Poland.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that this trilateral agreement underscores a growing trend among European nations to secure sovereign space assets amid rising geopolitical tensions. The explicit mention of the European Commission’s “Readiness 2030” plan indicates that national defense initiatives are increasingly aligning with broader European Union security frameworks. By integrating RADMOR into the consortium, the project not only secures advanced technology from Airbus and Thales Alenia Space but also ensures that domestic Polish industry plays a critical role in maintaining and operating the secure ground infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new satellite?

The geostationary defense telecommunications satellite will provide secure, resilient, and cyber-secured communications for the Polish armed forces.

Who is building the satellite?

The satellite is being developed through an industrial cooperation agreement between Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, and Polish technology company RADMOR.

What is the “Readiness 2030” plan?

Initiated by the European Commission in 2025, the “Readiness 2030” plan is a strategic framework aimed at enhancing European defense capabilities and resilience, under which this satellite project is being developed.

Sources

• Airbus