The US Space Force has awarded Boeing a $2.8 billion contract to provide secure communications for strategic missions through its Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications program. The deal will fund the development of two initial satellites, with options for an additional two.
Boeing edged out Northrop Grumman for the contract, which is part of a broader $12 billion ESS program. The new satellites are designed to provide improved resilience and cyber capabilities compared to the Space Force’s existing Advanced Extremely High Frequency constellation.
The contract is expected to be completed by 2033. The Space Force has also announced plans to cancel its Protected Tactical SATCOM-Resilient (PTS-R) program, citing a need for a more streamlined approach that prioritizes delivering incremental capability on faster timelines.
This new strategy aims to reduce costs and result in “lower-risk” contracts. The Space Force expects to procure additional satellites as part of the ESS program, including an enhanced Arctic capability.
Boeing’s Kay Sears said the company designed an innovative system to provide guaranteed communication for national security. The Evolved Strategic SATCOM program is a successor to the existing Advanced Extremely High Frequency constellation and will play a critical role in addressing evolving threats in space.
Source: https://www.defensenews.com/space/2025/07/03/space-force-picks-boeing-for-28b-strategic-communications-program