Through the GOVSATCOM Hub and with the contribution of Greece, the Republic of Cyprus strengthens security along the European Union’s southeastern borders, marking the beginning of a new era in European strategic connectivity.

Cyprus has completed its first acquisition and operational use of secure satellite communication services through the EU’s GOVSATCOM Hub, in a development described by the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday as a significant step forward for European governmental satellite connectivity.

According to the announcement, Cyprus, which holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has been connected to the GOVSATCOM Hub since the start of its initial operations in January 2026. The country has now successfully completed the first acquisition and operational deployment of the relevant services, demonstrating the system’s speed, efficiency, and high level of security in meeting governmental communication needs.

The GOVSATCOM programme is managed by the European Commission and implemented by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). The initial operations of the Hub began following a decision by the 27 EU member states in the Security Accreditation Board.

The GOVSATCOM Hub currently provides secure governmental satellite services aggregated from five member states — France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain — and makes them available to all EU member states.

The services secured by Cyprus include Greek governmental satellite capacity provided by Hellas Sat. These services were effectively used by Cypriot governmental users for security and protection purposes along the southeastern borders of the European Union.

The provider of the Greek governmental satellite capacity responded promptly and delivered the requested services in line with the programme’s expectations, demonstrating the high level of readiness among European governmental satellite providers.

EUSPA oversees the definition, development, and operations of the GOVSATCOM Hub and supports the European Commission in the procurement of satellite capacity. It is also involved in preparing the upcoming multi-orbit constellation IRIS², whose services are expected to become available from 2029 onwards.

The Ministry of Defence concluded that this development marks a new era of enhanced European capabilities, improved cooperation among member states, and a more integrated and resilient framework for governmental satellite communications at the European level.

Source: CNA