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# SES awards OHB nearly EUR 1 billion to build 18 IRIS2 MEO satellites
- URL: https://sovereigntymonitor.eu/news/2026-08-31-ses-ohb-iris2-meo-contract/
- Published: 2026-08-31T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-02T09:20:24.000Z
- Description: SES awarded German manufacturer OHB a contract worth nearly EUR 1 billion to build 18 medium-Earth-orbit satellite platforms for IRIS2, the first major industrial order since the programme entered its deployment phase.
- Author: Reidar Balstad
- Tags: Defence and space, Industry, investment and R&D, #news, #verified

Verified [OHB SE regulatory announcement (EQS News), 31 August 2026](https://www.webdisclosure.com/press-release/ohb-ag-etr-ohb-ohb-has-been-awarded-a-contract-worth-nearly-1-billion-for-the-development-and-production-of-eighteen-satellite-platforms-for-the-eus-iris-secure-connectivity-programme-dJFRF7R0CDR?ref=sovereigntymonitor.eu)

**What it does not test.** Does not establish the launch contract or schedule for these satellites, nor OHB's profit margin on the award.

**How this item counts.** Towards autonomy: it changes who made the parts. Binding 2 of 3 (agreed or funded), scale 2 of 3 (medium), Verified counts in full: weight +4 of 36 possible. SES contracts German OHB \~EUR1bn to build 18 IRIS2 satellites; agreed, unbuilt; medium sum. [European Sovereignty Index](https://sovereigntymonitor.eu/sovereignty-index/)