Melco to develop defence communications satellite for Japan

An artist's impression of Mitsubishi Electric's next-generation defence satellite communications system. (Mitsubishi Electric)

Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) has awarded a contract worth JPY123.5 billion (USD786 million) to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Melco) to develop and build a satellite communications (satcom) system for the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

Melco announced on 6 February that under the contract, it will build a next-generation geostationary (GEO) communications satellite to replace the JSDF's Kirameki-2 X-band communications satellite, which was launched in January 2017.

Melco said it will also design the ground systems and infrastructure required to operate the new satellite.

“The satellite will feature a digital communications payload capable of flexibly altering its beam coverage areas and communications capacity during operation, enabling a flexible response to the [MoD's] and the [JSDF's] growing communications needs. The ground system will be designed to ensure safe and stable communications,” Melco added.

Melco said it intends to deliver the new communications satellite to the MoD by the end of March 2030.

Melco had not responded to Janes request for more information at the time of publication.

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