Behind France and Poland's Satellite Plans to Defend Europe

France and Poland are progressing a joint satellite programme focused on military communications, with Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space and Poland’s RADMOR.

The agreement was announced during a ceremony attended by Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin.

The two countries are working on a geostationary platform for the Polish armed forces, with secure satellite communications at the core of the project. It will be designed to provide continuous connectivity for defence use.

Operating in what is called 'geostationary orbit', the satellite will keep a fixed position over one area for consistent coverage. For military communications, this will allow stable links without switching between satellites.

As Europe counters satellite rivals US and China, the programme reflects its broader move to integrate space-based systems into telco infrastructure.

Focus on secure and resilient communications

Airbus, Thales Alenia Space and RADMOR signed an industrial cooperation agreement for the system dedicated to the Polish Ministry of Defence. 

The programme sits within the European Commission’s ‘Readiness 2030’ defence plan, introduced in 2025 for the continent to achieve defence readiness by 2030. Telco networks are treated as core infrastructure within that plan, with the satellite system expected to withstand attacks.

The satellite is designed to deliver secure communications with a high level of resilience and robustness, by resisting signal jamming and having built-in cyber security to protect data and network control.

WIth defence communications facing increased pressure from both electronic interference and cyber threats, systems need to remain operational under disruption. The satellite is part of an end-to-end network, covering transmission and security within one framework.

Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “This partnership is what Europe working together is all about.

“Partnering across borders for innovation and industrial competitiveness for a better-connected and safer world. This is also a further chapter in Airbus’ decades-long partnership with the Polish armed forces and industry.”

Industry roles across the telco stack

Each partner contributes to a different part of the system. Airbus Defence and Space is focusing on overall system integration, linking satellite and ground components.

Thales Alenia Space is leading on payload development and mission design, shaping how communications are managed in orbit.

RADMOR will be providing secure communications technology and supporting ground infrastructure.

“We are proud to lead this strategic industrial cooperation, delivering cutting-edge secure communications capabilities to the Polish Ministry of National Defence,” said Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space.

“This geostationary satellite project will embody the highest standards of resilience, cybersecurity and anti-jamming technologies, reflecting our commitment to strengthening European defence sovereignty.

“Together with Airbus Defence and Space and RADMOR, we are providing Poland’s armed forces with a robust, end-to-end solution that meets the challenges of today’s complex security environment.”

A fully integrated telco system, with control over encryption and network management limits reliance on external providers, which is particularly important in defence.

RADMOR is extending its communications portfolio into satellite systems as part of the programme, building on its work in radio and secure communications.

“We are starting a new chapter in European space cooperation on a scale that will enable the delivery of a reliable system for the Polish Armed Forces,” said Bartłomiej Zając, CEO of RADMOR.

“The decision to start space activities at RADMOR was a natural consequence of expanding the company’s capabilities, frequency range and communications portfolio.

“Today’s battlefield is already closely integrated with space infrastructure; therefore, extending RADMOR’s competencies into satellite communications ensures seamless, secure, and resilient connectivity across all operational domains”, 

Strengthening sovereign telco capability

The project reflects closer economic and defence cooperation between France and Poland, but the value of the deal has not been disclosed.

The satellite system supports Poland’s national space sovereignty, giving the country greater control over its communications network.

By combining space and ground segments within one system, the programme establishes dedicated military telco capabilities which align with European defence priorities.