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.D. Vance’s visit to Budapest April 7.

The centerpiece is an agreement with Northrop Grumman to build a geostationary communications satellite under a program known as HUSAT. The spacecraft, a Ka-band system based on Northrop’s GEOStar-3 platform, is scheduled for delivery in 2030 and would provide Hungary with its first domestically controlled satellite communications capability.

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.

Northrop will build the communications satellite, while 4iG is responsible for producing the imaging satellites. Other international suppliers are also involved: Germany-based Vertex will provide ground antenna systems, South Korea’s TelePIX will supply imaging payloads, and Italy’s MetaSensing will contribute synthetic aperture radar technology.

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.

Alongside the Northrop agreement, 4iG announced partnerships with L3Harris Technologies and with satellite manufacturer Apex.

The deal with L3Harris is focused on integrating local production and support for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS. The truck-mounted precision strike system, produced by Lockheed Martin and used by Ukrainian forces, has a range of more than 40 miles and is designed to hit targets behind front lines.

Separately, 4iG signed an agreement with Apex to explore establishing a joint venture aimed at building small satellites in Europe and targeting demand for large constellations.

The announcements build on 4iG’s earlier efforts to align with U.S. space companies, including a plan announced last year to invest in Axiom Space.

“We believe transatlantic cooperation will be a key driver of space and defense innovation in the coming decade,” said István Sárhegyi, chairman and chief executive of 4iG Space and Defense Technologies.