Calian Subsidiary Secures Major German Defence Contract for Advanced Satellite Communications
In a significant development for Canada's technology and defence sectors, SatService GmbH, a Germany-based subsidiary of Ottawa's Calian Group Ltd., has been awarded a substantial contract by the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany. The agreement, announced on February 10, 2026, involves the delivery of an advanced, full-service Q/V-band satellite ground station to support both scientific research and modern military satellite communications for the German Armed Forces.
Technical Specifications and Project Scope
Under the terms of this important defence contract, SatService will design, manufacture, test, and deliver a complete satellite ground station system. This includes a high-performance 4-metre antenna system capable of operating in the Q/V-band frequency range for geostationary orbit applications. This capability represents a significant technological advancement, as it is currently unavailable at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, which is representing the German Ministry of Defence in this procurement.
The Q/V-band frequency range offers substantial advantages for satellite communications, including higher data throughput and enhanced security features. The ground station will utilize high-speed slewing capabilities and precision Cassegrain optics to track satellite passes with exceptional accuracy, ensuring reliable communications for military and scientific applications.
Strategic Importance for German and European Security
Wilfried Megger, Managing Director of SatService GmbH, emphasized the strategic significance of this project, stating: "Germany and the EU are heavily investing in satellite communications capabilities to secure and defend their sovereignty, and access to multiple frequency bands is a critical part of their initiative."
He further explained that "our team will combine decades of engineering experience with our system integration capabilities to deliver a SATCOM solution that is tailor-made to meet their needs. The solution builds on our unique ability to deliver not only the antennas themselves, but the full system—including software, hardware, cyber-secure architectures, and operational support—all with a strong customer-focused approach."
Dual-Use Applications: Military and Scientific Benefits
Once operational, the satellite ground station will serve multiple critical functions. Primarily, it will become part of the terrestrial laboratory of the Bundeswehr University Munich, supporting communication in the Q/V frequency range between GEO satellites and ground-based facilities for scientific research applications.
Additionally, the station will provide German Armed Forces trainee officers with secure, high-throughput satellite connectivity while educating them on the operational benefits of SATCOM technology. The system will demonstrate how operating in geostationary orbit provides continuous regional coverage, increased data capacity, and improved resilience against interference—all crucial elements for modern military operations.
The capability also supports C5ISRT functions—command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting—that form the foundation of contemporary military strategy and operations.
About SatService and Calian Group
SatService GmbH, founded in Germany in 1996 and now a Calian company, has established itself as a leading provider of advanced satellite ground stations in Europe. The company holds both ISO 9001-2015 and ISO 14001-2015 certifications, reflecting its commitment to quality management and environmental standards.
With a comprehensive suite of SATCOM solutions including sat-nms, sophisticated hardware and software portfolios, and expertise with next-generation VHTS satellites, SatService can provide custom-made or turnkey solutions to meet diverse customer requirements. The company works with global partners to offer complete systems encompassing antennas, software, hardware, cyber-secure architectures, and operational support.
This contract represents a significant achievement for both SatService and its Canadian parent company, Calian Group Ltd., demonstrating the global competitiveness of Canadian-owned technology firms in the specialized field of satellite communications and defence contracting.
