Germany's OHB lands first major EU IRIS² satellite contract worth nearly €1 billion

BERLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) - German satellite maker OHB said on Monday it had signed a contract worth nearly €1 billion ($1.2 billion) to develop and build 18 satellites for the European Union's IRIS² secure communications programme.

The contract, awarded by satellite operator SES, is the first major industrial order announced under the EU's IRIS² constellation, Europe's flagship effort to develop sovereign satellite communication capabilities.

SES is responsible for the programme's medium-Earth orbit segment within the SpaceRISE consortium, which also includes Eutelsat and Hispasat.

The first IRIS² satellites are scheduled for launch in 2029, with initial services expected from 2030.

(Writing by Miranda Murray and Maria Rugamer, Editing by Friederike Heine and Milla Nissi-Prussak)