Eutelsat (ETL.PA) ordered 340 OneWeb satellites from Airbus to expand its low-Earth orbit constellation, intensifying competition with SpaceX’s Starlink network.
The massive satellite procurement signals Eutelsat’s aggressive push to capture market share in the rapidly growing global broadband internet market, where Starlink currently dominates with over 6,000 operational satellites.
Key Takeaways
- Eutelsat contracts 340 satellites from Airbus for OneWeb expansion
- Combined with December order brings total to 440 satellites
- Deliveries expected from end of 2026 onwards
Market Reaction & Context
The French-British government-backed satellite operator is positioning itself as a key rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has captured approximately 60% of the global satellite internet market 1. This latest procurement follows a December 2024 order for 100 satellites, bringing Eutelsat’s total contracted satellites to 440 units 2.
Airbus Defence and Space will manufacture the satellites, with deliveries scheduled to begin in late 2026 3. Financial terms were not disclosed, though industry analysts estimate each satellite costs between 500,000 to 1 million.
Strategic Positioning
Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation currently operates approximately 630 satellites in low-Earth orbit, providing global broadband coverage. The additional 440 satellites will significantly expand capacity and improve service quality across key markets including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
The satellite operator completed its merger with OneWeb in 2023, creating a combined entity valued at approximately 3.4 billion. The deal positioned Eutelsat to compete directly with established players like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites.
Industry Outlook
The low-Earth orbit satellite internet market is projected to reach 18.6 billion by 2030, according to industry research. Competition is intensifying as traditional telecommunications companies and tech giants vie for market share in providing high-speed internet to underserved regions.
“This contract reinforces our long-term commitment to expanding the OneWeb network and delivering reliable connectivity solutions globally,” a Eutelsat spokesperson said 4. The company has previously indicated plans to invest heavily in constellation expansion through 2027.
Investment Implications
The substantial satellite order reflects Eutelsat’s confidence in future demand for low-latency internet services, particularly in enterprise and government sectors. However, the capital-intensive nature of satellite deployment poses risks if market adoption fails to meet projections.
Airbus shares could benefit from the multi-year contract, providing visibility into its space division’s revenue stream. The aerospace manufacturer has positioned itself as a leading supplier to multiple satellite operators, diversifying beyond traditional aircraft manufacturing.
Not investment advice. For informational purposes only.
References
1“Starlink rival Eutelsat orders 340 OneWeb satellites from Airbus”. Reuters. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
2“Starlink rival Eutelsat orders 340 OneWeb satellites from Airbus”. MSN. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
3“Eutelsat orders 340 new OneWeb satellites in major Airbus deal”. Capacity Global. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
4“Eutelsat Procures A Further 340 OneWeb Low Earth Orbit Satellites”. MarketScreener. Retrieved January 12, 2026.