The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded Airbus a contract to design and build two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites under the Oberon program. These advanced satellites will provide the UK with all-weather, day-and-night space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, strengthening national security and defence operations.
Equipped with ultra-high-resolution SAR technology, the Oberon satellites will enhance the UK’s sovereign surveillance capabilities and offer greater operational flexibility to British and allied forces.
Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK, highlighted the strategic importance of the project: “Oberon will deliver a crucial sovereign capability, ensuring the UK maintains space surveillance and intelligence autonomy. With over 45 years of experience in high-resolution radar satellites, Airbus is proud to contribute to the safety and effectiveness of our Armed Forces worldwide.”
Defence Procurement and Industry Minister Maria Eagle emphasized the UK’s commitment to advancing space technology: “This contract reinforces the UK’s ambition to be a leader in the global space economy. Oberon will not only support our Armed Forces but also create high-value jobs and drive innovation in the space sector.”
Airbus is collaborating with UK-based SMEs to integrate cutting-edge technology into the 400kg satellites. Oxford Space Systems will provide carbon-fiber deployable antennas, designed to compactly stow for launch and expand in orbit to transmit and receive radar signals.
The satellites will be developed and tested at Airbus facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth, securing numerous high-skilled jobs. Additional ground-based and geospatial intelligence capabilities will be established in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport, and Chippenham.
Paul Russell, Space Team Lead at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), praised the collaborative effort behind the project: “The Oberon contract marks a major step in delivering next-generation space-based ISR for UK Space Command. This program ensures the UK military has access to world-class Synthetic Aperture Radar technology, reinforcing national security.” Scheduled for launch in 2027, the Oberon satellites will significantly enhance the UK’s information and decision-making capabilities, furthering the nation’s leadership in space defence technology.
Airbus is a global aerospace leader specializing in the design, manufacturing, and delivery of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technologies. Headquartered in Europe, Airbus is renowned for its innovative approach to aviation, with a strong focus on sustainability, fuel efficiency, and digital transformation.
