The UK’s defence sector advances with Airbus leading the Oberon satellite project, supporting military operations worldwide.
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| Airbus secures UK MOD’s Oberon contract to build two SAR satellites, enhancing Britain’s space-based intelligence capabilities. Image: Airbus |
London, UK — February 11, 2025:
Airbus has been awarded the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Oberon contract to design and build two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, enhancing Britain’s space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, said a statement.
The two high-resolution SAR satellites will provide the UK MOD with enhanced operational autonomy and greater intelligence support for British and allied defence forces. Their advanced design ensures functionality in all weather conditions and during both day and night.
Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK, emphasised the importance of the project: “Oberon’s satellites will give the UK a much-needed sovereign capability and greatly enhance its space surveillance and intelligence autonomy. Airbus in the UK has more than 45 years’ experience in designing and building high-resolution radar satellites, and once in orbit, these spacecraft will play a vital role in keeping our Armed Forces safe around the world.”
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle highlighted the economic and strategic benefits: “The contract for Oberon shows the UK’s commitment to growing one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world while maintaining our competitive edge in space science and technology. Oberon will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally but also sustain highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth mission.”
Airbus has collaborated with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to integrate cutting-edge technology into the 400kg satellites. Oxford Space Systems will supply the antennas, which feature a compact carbon fibre design that expands once in orbit. These antennas will be crucial in transmitting and receiving radar pulses used for Earth mapping.
The satellites will be designed, built, and tested at Airbus’ facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth, securing high-value jobs. The ground segment and geospatial intelligence systems will be developed at Airbus sites in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport, and Chippenham. Expected to launch in 2027, the Oberon system aims to contribute to the UK’s information and decision-making superiority.
Paul Russell, Space team leader at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) procurement department, praised the collaborative effort behind the project: “This has been a superb team effort by members of DE&S, Space Command, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and industry. With the award of the Oberon contract, we will deliver the next in a series of game-changing capabilities to UK Space Command, providing the UK military with leading space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar while helping to keep our nation safe and prosperous. We are looking forward to working with Airbus as our mission partner to deliver this important capability together.”
As the UK’s largest space company, Airbus plays a key role in delivering the National Space Strategy while supporting British SMEs. The core mission elements of Oberon—including payloads, space and ground systems—will be designed, built, and operated within the UK, reinforcing the nation’s position as a leader in space technology.