The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Airbus a contract to design and construct two Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites that will serve as the military's space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability.
The 127-million-pound ($158 million) satellite network, called "Oberon," will be developed with all-day, all-weather functionality to sustain active and ultra-high resolution imagery collection for operations of the British Armed Forces and its allies.
Work for the effort will be completed by 2026, with the launch of the satellites to be facilitated the following year.
London said that the Oberon project will be organized in Stevenage and Portsmouth, supporting over 200 opportunities in the region.
Corresponding ground components and other geospatial solutions will be manufactured at Aribus's centers in Chippenham, Guildford, Newcastle, and Newport.
"Oberon's satellites will give the UK a much-needed sovereign capability and greatly enhance its space surveillance and intelligence autonomy," Airbus UK Defence and Space Chairman Ben Bridge explained.
"Airbus in the UK has more than 45 years' experience in the design and build of high-resolution radar satellites and, once in orbit, these spacecraft will play a vital role in keeping our Armed Forces safe around the world."
Named "Tyche," the platform is the first of a satellite constellation to be sent into orbit for space-based data gathering by 2031.
The UK defense agency noted that the Tyche, Oberon, and additional satellites to be deployed in the future will also assist in government tasks such as natural disaster monitoring, geographical mapping, and climate change observations in addition to its primary military application.
"Through UK Space Command, defence is partnering with industry and continuing to invest in advanced and innovative space technologies," British Space Commander Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman commented.
"Oberon, alongside Tyche and other satellites in our [Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance] constellation, will allow us to observe what's happening on Earth from space at any time and through any weather. This will enable and enhance UK and allied military operations around the world."