The contract, known as MEO Global Services (MGS), falls under NSPA’s Global Commercially Contracted SATCOM Support Partnership (GCC SATCOM SP), an initiative led by the United States and Luxembourg. The agreement enables NATO members and partner nations to establish sovereign networks or access fully managed satellite communication services to support a range of defence and security missions.
SES’s MEO connectivity enhances real-time applications for government agencies, militaries, and other organisations operating on land, at sea, and in the air. It supports high-definition video calls, seamless data transfers, and other mission-critical applications, ensuring reliable and secure communication for operational forces.
As part of the MGS framework, the United States is set to establish six MEO Sovereign Gateways at various global locations. These gateways will enhance the resilience and security of the satellite network, ensuring reliable connectivity for military and allied operations worldwide.
The multinational nature of the programme was further reinforced in January 2025, when the Netherlands officially joined the GCC SATCOM SP. This development highlights the increasing collaboration among NATO allies in the field of satellite communications and defence technology.
Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, emphasised the importance of secure satellite communications for NATO and allied operations. She stated that SES’s O3b mPOWER network is a crucial asset in providing high-performance connectivity for national and multinational defence needs.
Stacy Cummings, General Manager of NSPA, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that multinational cooperation in the space domain strengthens NATO’s operational flexibility. The Netherlands’ participation further demonstrates the value of the partnership in enhancing NATO’s space capabilities.
Brigadier General Jacob Middleton, Commander of U.S. Space Forces Europe and Space Forces Africa, stressed the importance of joint initiatives in space. He said that partnerships like the GCC SATCOM SP foster trust, improve information sharing, and enhance regional deterrence and defence strategies.
Colonel Bernard Buijs, Head of the Defence Space Security Centre in the Netherlands, reinforced the value of international collaboration in satellite communications. He stated that continuous communication is essential to conflict prevention and that joint initiatives enable nations to share expertise and resources effectively.
SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh highlighted the advantages of O3b mPOWER, stating that its low latency, security, and guaranteed service levels make it the preferred choice for NATO nations. He expressed enthusiasm about providing connectivity to the founding MGS countries and welcoming additional partners under NSPA agreements.
