Eutelsat Orders 340 New OneWeb Satellites from Airbus: Europe’s Bold Answer to Starlink

Eutelsat Strengthens Its Constellation with Airbus

In a major move to expand its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, Eutelsat has ordered 340 new OneWeb satellites from Airbus Defence and Space. The deal marks one of the most ambitious industrial projects in Europe’s commercial space sector and highlights Eutelsat’s determination to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Starlink in delivering high-speed, low-latency internet across the globe.

The new satellites will be built at Airbus’s advanced production facility in Toulouse, France, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of 2026. This contract follows a previous order for 100 satellites announced in late 2024, bringing the total to a staggering 440 new spacecraft.

A Major Step Toward European Space Sovereignty

The project is not just a commercial expansion—it’s a strategic European response to the growing dominance of American providers like SpaceX.

As the only European‑operated LEO broadband network, Eutelsat’s OneWeb positions itself as a cornerstone of Europe’s digital sovereignty, ensuring that vital communications infrastructure remains under European control.

“We are pleased to rely on our long-standing partner, Airbus, for these latest satellites,” said Jean-François Fallacher, CEO of Eutelsat. “They ensure service continuity for the growing number of our customers benefiting from our low-latency LEO capacity.”

The Next Generation of Satellites

The newly designed OneWeb satellites will feature major technological improvements, including:

Advanced digital channelizers for more efficient bandwidth management.
Enhanced onboard processing to deliver faster, more stable connections.
Optimized power and structural design, extending satellite lifespan.
Potential hosted payloads, opening opportunities for scientific, military, or Earth observation clients.

These upgrades are designed not only to replace older satellites (some now six years old) but also to expand OneWeb’s overall capacity, allowing Eutelsat to serve more broadband customers than ever before.

Financial Scope and Industrial Impact

Although Eutelsat and Airbus did not disclose the precise value of the deal, analysts estimate the investment to be part of a €2–2.2 billion program running through 2029. The manufacturing boost will also support skilled jobs in Toulouse, reinforcing France’s role as a European hub for space technology.

The contract follows Eutelsat’s €1.5 billion capital raise completed in late 2025, supported by major shareholders including:

The French State
The UK Government
Bharti Space
CMA CGM
The Fonds Stratégique de Participations

Together, these investors are backing Eutelsat’s €4 billion growth plan aimed at expanding and modernizing its satellite networks by the end of the decade.

Europe’s Broader Space Ambitions: The IRIS² Connection

Eutelsat’s expansion also aligns with the European Union’s IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite) program—Europe’s forthcoming sovereign satellite constellation.

Expected to go live by 2030, IRIS² aims to provide secure, multi-orbit communications for governments, institutions, and critical sectors. Eutelsat, through its OneWeb infrastructure, will play a key role in this next-generation European satellite ecosystem, reducing dependence on non‑European providers.

Competing with Starlink and Beyond

As of 2026, SpaceX’s Starlink leads globally with around 9,400 operational satellites, with plans for thousands more under FCC-approved expansion. In comparison, OneWeb currently operates around 600 satellites in 12 orbital planes at 1,200 km altitude—covering much of the Northern Hemisphere.

However, Eutelsat’s new order signals that Europe is not content to play catch-up. Instead, it is building a technologically advanced, business-oriented alternative focused on telecom carriers, businesses, governments, and mobility users rather than individual consumers.

Why It Matters

Eutelsat’s bold partnership with Airbus has wide‑reaching implications:

For Europe: It strengthens the continent’s ability to compete in the rapidly evolving global satellite broadband market.
For Businesses: It promises greater access to high-speed, low-latency internet in remote or underserved areas.
For Technology and Industry: It underpins growth in Europe’s aerospace manufacturing supply chain.

Airbus Space Chief Alain Fauré summed it up aptly:

“This latest contract is an endorsement of our design and manufacturing expertise. Airbus has been a key partner and supplier to Eutelsat for more than 30 years.”

Conclusion: Europe’s Moment in Orbit

Eutelsat’s latest satellite order with Airbus is far more than a procurement deal—it’s a statement of intent. It confirms Europe’s determination to secure a lasting, independent presence in low Earth orbit communications and to provide a strong counterweight to private American networks.

With OneWeb’s expansion and participation in IRIS², Europe is preparing to reclaim its place among global space leaders.