Space has become a battleground where military dominance is crucial, according to SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh. After the company’s annual results, SES shares rose by 4%, reflecting a general increase in Europe’s defence-related stocks amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Investors are focusing more on space-based missile defence systems, particularly due to initiatives like the U. S. Golden Dome.
Al-Saleh emphasized the importance of real-time intelligence sharing among defence units for military systems. He highlighted France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier’s reliance on SES’s satellite networks during a mission. He stated that space is now as vital for militaries as air power, naval strength, or cybersecurity.
SES offers sovereign network “slices,” giving governments full control, which aligns with Europe’s desire for autonomy. There is a global push, especially in the U. S. and EU, to enhance these capabilities rapidly. Al-Saleh noted that Europe is treating space as key to NATO spending goals. He also mentioned SES’s plans for vertical integration to manage critical supply chains, developing satellites with both military and commercial uses.
With information from Reuters
