The French state will become the first shareholder of Eutelsat, the European satellite operator

The objective is to master the future of our satellite communications. In a context of international tensions, it is a question of sovereignty, supports the government, notably in the face of the ascent of the American Starlink.

In the current context of geopolitical tensions, it is a question of keeping hands on our communications systems in particular military, it is a question of sovereignty. L‘French State formalized him on Thursday, June 19, he will put money in Eutelsat, the European satellite operator, up to more than 700 million euros, by climbing a little more to the capital of this flagship of La Défense. Dhe more than 13% today, it will have up to almost 30%, a third party, and thus become the reference shareholder.

Eutelsat is one of only two operators in the world with the American Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, to have a constellation of satellites in low orbit for telecommunications. On Wednesday, at the Bourget aeronautical show, Eultelsat, announced the signing of an agreement over ten years with the French army in the field of spatial military communications, for a maximum amount of one billion euros.

But that is not enough, to develop, the group needs money and investments, hence the massive support of the French state. France wants to count. With almost 30% of the capital of Eutelsat, it can indeed weigh more in the board of directors and intervene in the group’s strategy. Knowing that other public and private actors are also called upon to inject into the company. Germany which is not at all present in the group today could be interested. Because Eutelsat aims to become the European Airbus of satellites to carry European projects.

It is a question of resisting the ascent of Starlink. There Property of the American billionaire, weighs for more than 60% of the satellites put into orbit, and in the context of global tensions, it is urgent to remain independent of the foreign powers, it is in any case, the analysis of Emmanuel Macron who worked for France to be the leader in the field. LHe are not alone in maneuver, the Chinese are also very present in this niche.

The State puts 717 million euros via the Participation Agency (APE), the agency which manages the portfolio of shares of the State, such as Renault, Atos, La Française des Jeux. It is a separate cash register and the government specifies that this development will therefore have no impact on the budget.