Airbus secures UK defence deal for revolutionary radar satellites
Airbus has signed a contract for Oberon satellites with the British Ministry of Defence. The company will design and build two units equipped with SAR radar, capable of providing "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance" (ISR) around the clock throughout the year.
The European company Airbus Defence and Space will construct two Oberon radar satellites for the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MOD). These units will be fitted with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and will offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities continuously and in all weather conditions directly from space.
To support the operational capability of the UK Armed Forces
According to Airbus, the SAR radar, which will be included in the satellites’ equipment, will furnish the British Ministry of Defence with operational freedom and enhanced capabilities for the UK Armed Forces and its allies. Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK, highlighted in the company’s statement that the Oberon satellites will provide essential autonomy.
Oberon satellites will protect the military from space
Airbus in the United Kingdom, boasting over 45 years of experience in designing high-resolution radars, will play a pivotal role in protecting the UK Armed Forces globally once these spacecraft are launched into orbit.
Maria Eagle, the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, noted that the contract for the Oberon satellites demonstrates the UK's commitment to developing one of the most advanced and attractive space economies globally, aimed at maintaining competitive advantages in space sciences and technologies. Oberon is intended to support both military personnel deployed globally and highly skilled jobs.
Airbus collaborated with small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the United Kingdom to harness innovative technologies for the 400-kilogram satellites. The antennas will be provided by Oxford Space Systems, which designed carbon fibre structures that compact for launch but deploy upon entering orbit. This "packed" design will ensure the transmission and reception of radar pulses to map the Earth's surface.
Satellites will reach orbit in 2027
The design, construction, and testing of the satellites will take place at Airbus's space centres in Stevenage and Portsmouth. The satellite’s ground segment and geointelligence capabilities will be developed at Airbus facilities in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport, and Chippenham. The Oberon satellites will reach orbit in 2027 and will contribute to the UK's information and decision-making advantage.
As the largest UK space company, Airbus significantly contributes to implementing the National Space Strategy, supporting UK small and medium-sized enterprises. Key elements of the Oberon mission (payload, space, and ground systems) will be designed, built, and operated in the UK, encompassing the delivery of antennas and receivers, AIT equipment, image data processing software, and sensors.
