Eutelsat Secures Billion-Euro Deal with French Armed Forces

Eutelsat has signed a €1 billion deal with the French Armed Forces to reserve capacity on its OneWeb satellite constellation, with Bharti Enterprises' Sunil Bharti Mittal highlighting French investment growth. The arrangement aims to bolster military communications, aligning with EU and NATO strategic goals.

In a major development in satellite communications, the French Armed Forces have entered into a €1 billion contract with Eutelsat for capacity on the OneWeb low-Earth orbit constellation. Eutelsat celebrates this strategic partnership as a boost to its standing as a European space leader.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder of Bharti Enterprises and Co-Chairman of Eutelsat, highlighted the significance of the contract, noting increased French state support under President Macron. The French government's injection of funds into Eutelsat aims to secure its role in strategic military communications, cyber-resilience, and secure government connectivity.

The investment also aligns with European Union and NATO objectives for strategic autonomy. Meanwhile, as Eutelsat prepares to offer satellite services in India pending spectrum allocation, it continues its efforts to raise €1.35 billion through various investment channels, further solidifying its market position.

(With inputs from agencies.)