Belgium's First National Security Satellite: Historic Agreement with Redwire

Belgium is set to launch its first national security satellite with the help of US space company Redwire.

Belgium's Space Age: Belgium to Launch First National Security Satellite Belgium's Defense Ministry has awarded US space technology company Redwire the contract to design and deliver the country's first national security satellite. This agreement marks a significant shift in European defense policy, as smaller EU states are now adopting the operational awareness advantage that larger countries have long enjoyed.

With this agreement, Belgium aims to gain real control over its intelligence collection capacity. This will enable the country to independently monitor conflict zones and border threats that it has previously been unable to access through online reporting or direct transmission.

This capability will also enhance the quality of contributions to EU operations such as the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES mission, which involves a significant military presence on the Greek island of Crete. Redwire's export business intersects with European security satellite programs provided by French, Italian, and German service providers.

This competitive environment has raised questions about the attractiveness of European defense technologies. The European Defense Agency, however, highlights the Belgian program's potential to complement the EU's space security architecture, which includes systems like EDRS and others built by European manufacturers.