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Eutelsat Orders 340 OneWeb Satellites From Airbus in LEO Constellation Refresh

The program replaces aging spacecraft to preserve service, bolstering Europe's LEO manufacturing capacity.

Overview

  • The new order lifts Eutelsat’s post-2024 procurement to 440 OneWeb satellites when combined with a 100-satellite batch placed in December 2024.
  • Airbus will build the satellites on a newly installed production line in Toulouse, with initial deliveries expected at the end of 2026.
  • Eutelsat says the spacecraft will progressively replace early OneWeb units reaching end of life to ensure operational continuity.
  • The updated design includes advanced digital channelisers and enhanced onboard processing, with support for hosted payloads to enable new business cases.
  • Financial terms were not disclosed, though Eutelsat previously estimated the 2024–2029 extension at €2.0–€2.2 billion, supported by a France-led €1.5 billion capital increase joined by the UK in 2025.