The purchase is regarded as a show of solidarity with NATO in times of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

Digital communication is critical in warfare. At the same time, NATO and EU troops along with other allies want to ensure that they have secure communication channels at their disposal.

To this end, Luxembourg will provide a new strategic military capacity in the form of eleven SES satellites in medium terrestrial orbit.

SES in Betzdorf operates the satellites, which are located at an altitude of 8,000 kilometres. The system is expected to be operational by the end of the year. The project also necessitates the purchase and construction of seven antennae, which Luxembourg will complete in collaboration with the United States.

According to the draft bill for the project, the US Department of Defence is also willing to invest. However, the two countries still have to decide on a total amount or agreement.

On Thursday, Minister of Defence François Bausch will officially present the draft bill to the MPs.

It should be noted that these plans for satellite capacity acquisition are not related to the new LUXEOSys military satellite, which ended up costing the state €300 million rather than the expected €170 million. It is reported that the new capacities will work in tandem with the GovSat satellite, which is located at an altitude of 36,000 kilometres.