UK to Join Eutelsat’s €1.5 Billion Capital Increase
Eutelsat has confirmed that the United Kingdom will participate in its planned €1.5 billion capital increase, reinforcing its strategic alignment with France, Bharti, and other key investors. The UK government will contribute €90 million via the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, maintaining its influence in OneWeb, a key LEO satellite player now integrated into Eutelsat.
This move underscores growing European emphasis on satellite communications as a sovereign asset. UK Science Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the strategic importance of resilient satellite connectivity amid rising geopolitical threats, stating: “As our adversaries increasingly use space technologies to harm us, resilient satellite connectivity has become essential to our continent’s national security.”
The capital raise, comprising an €828 million reserved capital increase and a €672 million rights issue, supports Eutelsat’s long-term LEO strategy and cements its role in Europe’s push for autonomous, secure space infrastructure.