BetzdorfSES gave OHB nearly €1 billion for satellites.

It reduces Europe’s reliance on a commercial network whose owner controls military access.

The order covers 18 medium-orbit satellites, a middle ground between low-orbit swarms and high-orbit relays.

The first IRIS2 satellites are due to launch in 2029, with service starting in 2030.

How each outlet framed it
European Spaceflight
first major industrial contract in deployment phase: SES-OHB €1B deal for 18 MEO satellites

Sources: European Spaceflight