Hisdesat strengthens the strategic capabilities of Spain’s Ministry of Defence with SpainSat NG III
Madrid, July 31st, 2026 – Hisdesat has solidified its partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, as well as Thales Alenia Space, to enhance Spain’s strategic satellite communications capabilities with the SpainSat NG III initiative. This new contract marks a significant milestone in the SPAINSAT NG Programme, a state-of-the-art suite of satellites designed to provide secure communications for Spain’s Armed Forces, government entities, and allied nations.
- The new satellite is set to launch in the third quarter of 2030 and become operational in early 2031.
- This collaboration emphasizes a commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy in communications technology.
With an estimated development timeline of 48 months, SpainSat NG III underscores Hisdesat’s dedication to ensuring the availability of critical space capabilities for national security. This system will complement SpainSat NG I, completing the largest space initiative ever undertaken by Spanish industry.
Users of these next-generation secure communication services will include NATO, the European Union through the GOVSATCOM programme, and various allied countries.
Advanced Capabilities and Coverage
SpainSat NG III will build upon the established architecture of its predecessors while introducing multiple upgrades. It will operate in the X, military Ka, and UHF bands, enriching operational flexibility and enhancing resistance to electronic interference and threats. Its coverage will span from the United States and South America, across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, reaching as far as Singapore when combined with SpainSat NG I.
Contributions from the Spanish Industry
Hisdesat is leveraging the expertise of the Spanish and European space industries, appointing Airbus Defence and Space as the prime contractor. Over ten Spanish companies will play crucial roles in developing key technologies for the satellite, thereby promoting skilled job creation and technological advancements within the nation.
The Spanish industry will be responsible for the communications payloads; Thales Alenia Space in Spain will oversee the integration of the Communications Module, while Airbus will handle the X-band payload and Thales Alenia Space will develop payloads for UHF and military Ka-band communications.
Hisdesat is dedicated to ensuring the continuity of strategic programmes essential for Spain and its allies while affirming its trust in the Spanish space industry, which has attained global recognition for its secure satellite communications capabilities.
ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE
Thales Alenia Space specializes in delivering innovative solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, exploration, and orbital infrastructures, drawing on 50 years of proven expertise. The company combines technological prowess with industrial capabilities, earning the trust of institutions and governments worldwide. With consolidated revenues of €2.36 billion in 2025, Thales Alenia Space employs over 8,000 individuals across seven countries, striving to enhance life on Earth and beyond. For more information, visit www.thalesaleniaspace.com.
Source: Thales Group (2026-07-31 12:50:31)
