UK company to build satellite system worth £127m

A new military satellite system costing £127m is being designed and built in the UK.

Airbus said the contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) could create about 200 skilled jobs at Stevenage in Hertfordshire, and Portsmouth.

The satellite system, named Oberon, is expected to launch in 2027 and will be able to capture images on the ground in the daytime and at night.

Maj Gen Paul Tedman, commander of UK Space Command, said: "This will enable and enhance UK and allied military operations around the world."

The project is part of the MoD's plan to deliver a constellation of satellites by 2031.

Oberon will be able to capture imagery in any weather condition by using synthetic aperture radar technology, Airbus says.

Ben Bridge, airbus defence and space UK chairman, said: "Once in orbit, these spacecraft will play a vital role in keeping our Armed Forces safe around the world."

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