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Yahsat taps Airbus for AED 3.9 bn satellites: Abu Dhabi-based satellite comms firm Yahsat awarded Airbus Defence & Space a contract to build two new satellites — Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 — in a transaction valued at almost AED 3.9 bn, according to a press release (pdf). The satellites’ cost covers the development of the spacecraft, ground segment infrastructure, launch and ins., the statement said.
The details: Airbus will develop and construct the Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 satellites using Airbus’ Eurostar Neo satellite model, each designed with a 15-year operational lifespan. The satellites will feature flexible payloads, and will allow governmental communications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The satellites will replace the currently operational Al Yah 1, which was launched in 2011, and Al Yah 2, launched in 2021. The Al Yah 4 satellite will launch in 2027, while Al Yah 5 will launch in 2028.
Yahsat will initially fund the project using its own capital, followed by a government advance payment of AED 3.7 bn.
Background: Yahsat contracted Airbus under its 17-year government-awarded service mandate, valued at AED 18.7 bn, to operate, manage and maintain the UAE’s current and upcoming telecoms satellites. Airbus is also currently developing Yahsat’s mobile satellite, Thuraya 4, for its government solutions arm and commercial satellite subsidiary Thuraya. The satellite is slated to launch in the coming months, with operations set to commence in 2H 2025.
