The EUTM Somalia mission linked by satellite to Brussels

(B2) Satellite communications (SatCom) for the European Union military training mission in Somalia have, since the beginning of October, been provided by a private operator, under a framework contract signed by the European defense (EDA). EUTM Somalia is thus the first CSDP military mission to opt for this framework contract to cover its satellite needs.

Cost and time advantage

A definite advantage for the Member States, such as the Athena system (which manages the common costs of EU military missions) specified a European expert on these questions to B2 “ in terms of cost and delivery time ". Satellite communication is, in fact, today a primary necessity in a multinational mission or operation.

The services provided include rental, delivery and installation of a C-band remote terminal at Mogadishu International Airport as well as unclassified broadband satellite links in Europe. Services also include 24/7 technical support and on-site if needed.

Extension to other operations and other functions

In the coming months, this contract will be extended to mobile satellite services for EUNAVFOR Atalanta and EUTM Mali operations. The SatCom framework contract, in itself, should be extended to the supply of all the information and communication systems (CIS/SIC) necessary for an operation, which would allow " to ensure the contractualization of the entire CIS architecture of a mission such as EUMAM RCA according to an expert.

(NGV)

(1) this EU SATCOM MARKET framework contract was formerly called ESCPC as EU SatCom Procurment Cell. It is managed by the Operation Support Unit of the European Diplomatic Service.

(2) The Athena mechanism, set up to finance CSDP military operations, has in fact joined the Agency's EU SatCom market this year, to improve the procurement process in operations.

Updated Monday 19.10 with contract details