Telespazio Awarded by EDA the EU SatCom Contract for Defence Communication

Telespazio has been awarded a substantial contract from the European Defence Agency (EDA) to furnish satellite communication services under the EU SatCom Market Framework Contract.

*A Telespazio control room at the Fucino Space Centre in Abruzzo, Italy. Credits: Telespazio*

This significant achievement was awarded on February 15th, 2024, to Telespazio France, the French division of the company.

About the contract

Valued at a not better specified amount of “several tens of millions of Euros” and spanning a four-year duration, the contract seeks to streamline satellite communications demand and ensure coordinated access to services for European defence and security stakeholders.

Through this framework, Telespazio will deliver satellite communication services across various frequency bands, including terminals tailored for commercial and military applications.

“We are immensely proud of the contract awarded by the EDA to Telespazio France,” remarked Alessandro Caranci, Senior Vice President of Satellite Communications at Telespazio. “This contract reaffirms our position as a leading player in space technologies and services, dedicated to supporting EU Member States and European institutions.”

Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo and Thales with a distribution of 67% and 33% respectively, stands as a foremost global operator in satellite services. The company’s operations span from the conception and advancement of space systems to the oversight of launch services.

Telespazio's Fucino Space Centre in Abruzzo, Italy, as seen from above. Credits: Telespazio — *Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre in Abruzzo, Italy, as seen from above. Credits: Telespazio*

The company’s expertise extends to the control of satellites in orbit, Earth observation endeavors, as well as the provision of integrated communications, satellite navigation, and localization services.

The EU SatCom initiative

The EU SatCom Market Framework Contract facilitates the procurement of satellite communication services and broader communication and information systems through the European Defence Agency. This initiative empowers users to access, store, transmit, receive, and manipulate vital information to address diverse operational requirements, both domestically and internationally.

Under the Joint Procurement Arrangement (JPA), the EDA spearheads project management on behalf of contributing members, fostering alignment of operational needs and the enhancement of defence capabilities.

Moreover, the framework contracts serve as pivotal enablers for EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations, particularly in remote or challenging environments lacking robust communication infrastructure.

Activities overseen by the EDA in support of contributing members encompass project initiation, management, and procurement of framework contracts through transparent public procurement processes. The project offers a pay-per-use solution, alleviating financial commitments and administrative burdens for participating members.