United Arab Emirates (UAE) company Yahsat has been awarded a major AED18.7 billion (USD5.1 billion) deal to provide satellite services to the UAE government. The 17-year agreement, known as the Authorisation to Proceed (ATP), will involve the use of Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2 satellites until 2026, after which two new satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, will be launched in 2027 and 2028 respectively.

As part of the deal, Yahsat will receive an advance payment of USD1 billion in 2024. The ATP mandate will replace existing agreements and include maintenance and technology management of ground segment satellite systems and terminals.

In June 2023, Yahsat signed an ATP agreement with Airbus to develop the new satellites. These satellites will offer increased capacity and double the bandwidth compared to the existing systems. Eisa Al Shamsi, general manager at Yahsat Government Solutions, stated this development during IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement ensures that Yahsat will continue to provide the UAE government with secure and reliable satellite capacity. The new satellites will supplement the existing ones and meet the growing demands for satellite services in the country. With this deal, Yahsat strengthens its position in the satellite services market and solidifies its partnership with Airbus.

The AED18.7 billion deal reflects the UAE government’s commitment to investing in advanced satellite technology to enhance communication and connectivity. It will support various government sectors, including defense, emergency services, and telecommunications.

This agreement marks a significant milestone for Yahsat and reinforces its role as a leading provider of satellite services in the UAE. The company’s dedication to innovation and reliability has allowed it to secure this long-term partnership with the UAE government.