Luxembourg to Invest €501 Million in New GovSat-2 Communications Satellite for Defence

Luxembourg Commits €501 Million to Advanced Defence Satellite

Luxembourg is set to significantly enhance its defence and governmental communication capabilities with a planned investment of €501 million in a new communications satellite, designated GovSat-2. The draft law for this strategic project was presented to the Defence Committee yesterday by the Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, marking a pivotal step in the Grand Duchy's commitment to national security and international partnerships.

Minister Backes emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that it is considered a 'strategic investment' for defence and governmental needs, also ensuring an 'economic return' for the country. This initiative underscores Luxembourg's growing investment in defence, aligning with expectations for NATO member states to increase their security and defence spending.

GovSat-2: Enhancing Secure Communications and Allied Support

The GovSat-2 project builds upon the successful foundation of GovSat-1, which has been fully booked since its launch. The new satellite is designed to provide secure, resilient, and often encrypted communication services, not only for Luxembourg but also for its allies across Europe, NATO, and other partner nations. Key capabilities of GovSat-2 will include:

• Operation in advanced frequency bands: UHF, X-band, and Ka-band
• Enhanced security features, such as anti-jamming capabilities and geolocation functions
• Increased military-grade connectivity to support mission-critical communications

GovSat-2 is being developed under GovSat, a 50/50 public-private venture between the Luxembourg government and the leading satellite operator SES. The satellite will be constructed by French space systems firm Thales Alenia Space. This public-private partnership model is recognized for its efficiency in deploying secure military satellite capacity.

Luxembourg's Enduring Space Strategy and Economic Vision

This substantial investment is a continuation of Luxembourg's long-standing commitment to the space sector, which began with the formation of Société Européenne des Satellites (SES) in 1985. The country's current space strategy (2023-2027) aims to further develop the sector as a vector for economic diversification and sustainability. Officials, including Minister Backes, view projects like GovSat-2 as crucial for positioning Luxembourg as a 'satellite hub' and a European cluster for space industry development.

The support for the project extends across the political spectrum, with the main opposition party, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), also expressing backing. This consensus highlights the strategic value placed on leveraging Luxembourg's expertise in satellite communications to increase the resilience of national and allied armed forces, while also fostering economic growth and technological advancement within the Grand Duchy.