Eutelsat is ramping up Europe’s push to build a stronger, more competitive satellite internet network, announcing a major new order for next-generation OneWeb satellites. The satellite operator, which is backed by the French and British governments, confirmed this week that it has committed to buying 340 additional satellites from Airbus Defence and Space.
This latest procurement builds on an earlier deal made in December 2024, when Eutelsat ordered 100 satellites. Together, the two orders bring the company’s total next-generation OneWeb purchase to 440 low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. Deliveries are expected to start in late 2026, marking an important step in expanding and upgrading Europe’s satellite broadband capabilities.
By investing heavily in LEO satellite technology, Eutelsat is positioning OneWeb to deliver faster, lower-latency connectivity than traditional geostationary satellites, an advantage that matters for modern internet use cases. The move also signals growing momentum behind European-led satellite internet initiatives, especially as governments and businesses look for resilient communications infrastructure and broader coverage in remote and underserved regions.
With Airbus Defence and Space building the spacecraft, the order underscores a coordinated strategy that supports domestic and regional space manufacturing while accelerating the rollout of next-generation satellite broadband services. As deliveries begin in 2026, the expanded OneWeb constellation is expected to play a bigger role in strengthening Europe’s satellite internet ambitions and improving connectivity options across multiple markets.
