Hungary taps Northrop Grumman for first national geostationary communications satellite

WASHINGTON — Hungary is moving to build its first national communications satellite and broaden defense ties with U. S. Industry under several partnerships announced by the Hungarian defense and space firm 4iG during Vice President J.

The effort reflects a broader shift among European governments toward securing sovereign space capabilities — systems that allow countries to control satellite tasking, data and operations. As military and economic dependence on space-based services grows and geopolitical tensions raise questions about access to those systems, governments are placing greater emphasis on owning critical infrastructure. Lower costs for satellite manufacturing and launch have made such programs more accessible, including for mid-sized nations.

4iG, which has close ties to the Hungarian government, has been expanding from its roots in telecommunications into space and defense through its subsidiary, 4iG Space and Defense Technologies. The HUSAT program combines the geostationary satellite with a planned constellation of eight Earth observation spacecraft.