UK Shoots for the Stars with $190M Orbit into France’s Eutelsat

Key Highlights

 

The United Kingdom has announced a $190 million (163 million euros) investment in Eutelsat, the Paris-headquartered satellite communications leader, as part of a broader €1.5 billion capital raise. This move, unveiled during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK, signals a strategic push for European space sovereignty and aims to strengthen competition against global players like Elon Musk’s Starlink.

 

Why Eutelsat Matters

 

Eutelsat is the world’s second-largest operator of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, providing critical internet and phone connectivity services across the globe. The company’s 2023 merger with UK-based OneWeb expanded its fleet to over 600 satellites, making it a serious European contender in the satellite broadband race.

 

The investment will give the UK government an almost 11% stake in Eutelsat, reinforcing its role as a key shareholder alongside France, Bharti Space Limited, CMA CGM, and others. The French government recently increased its own stake to just under 30%, underlining the company’s strategic importance for both countries.

 

Strategic and Economic Implications

 

The funding will help Eutelsat accelerate its satellite deployment, develop new technologies, and expand secure, sovereign connectivity for governments, businesses, and consumers. This is especially critical as geopolitical tensions and reliance on overseas infrastructure highlight the need for European-controlled solutions.

 

UK officials emphasized that satellites underpin industrial activity worth hundreds of billions of euros and are essential for both economic growth and national security.

 

Looking Ahead

 

The capital increase, which includes contributions from France, India’s Bharti Space, and other major investors, is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

 

This investment positions Eutelsat to further innovate and compete in the rapidly evolving satellite communications sector, while ensuring Europe’s stake in the future of global connectivity.

 

Sources: Economic Times Telecom, Tribune India, Sifted