Cyprus Completes First Operational Use of EU GOVSATCOM Services
Cyprus has successfully completed the first operational use of EU GOVSATCOM secure satellite communications services, marking a major milestone in European connectivity. Hellas Sat contributed to this achievement by providing reliable governmental satellite capacity.
A Milestone in European Secure Satellite Communications
Cyprus has successfully completed the first acquisition and operational use of secure satellite communication services delivered through the EU Space Programme component GOVSATCOM, marking a significant milestone in European governmental satellite connectivity.
GOVSATCOM is managed by the European Commission and implemented by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). GOVSATCOM Hub initial operations started in January 2026, following a decision by the 27 Member States within the Security Accreditation Board (SAB).
What is EU GOVSATCOM
At the heart of the system is the GOVSATCOM Hub, which currently provides secure governmental satellite services pooled by five Member States – France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg and Spain – and makes them available to all EU Member States. Additional satellite capacities will be integrated incrementally, while services from the EU’s upcoming multi-orbital constellation IRIS² are expected to become available from 2029 onwards.
EUSPA oversees the definition, development and operations of the GOVSATCOM Hub and supports the European Commission in the procurement of satellite capacities as well as in the preparation of the IRIS² constellation.
The Role of Hellas Sat
Holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus has been connected to the GOVSATCOM Hub since the launch of initial operations. The country has now successfully finalised the first acquisition and operational deployment of secure satellite communication services through the Hub, demonstrating GOVSATCOM’s speed, effectiveness and high level of security in addressing a broad range of governmental communication requirements.
The services acquired by Cyprus include Greek governmental satellite capacity provided by Hellas Sat. These services have been effectively utilised by Cypriot governmental users in line with programme expectations, including for safety and security purposes along the south-eastern borders of the Union. The Greek governmental satellite capacity provider Hellas Sat was able to directly respond and provide the requested services as per programme expectations, demonstrating the high level of readiness and reliability of the European governmental satellite providers.
Strengthening European Connectivity
This achievement highlights a new era of strengthened European capabilities, enhanced cooperation among Member States, and a more integrated and resilient governmental satellite communications landscape across Europe.
More on GOVSATCOM, please find:
• GOVSATCOM Video: https://youtu.be/k27Kc4A2RtE?si=x5O2oMPeJZQbPVPy
• Factsheet: https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/4ea953a3-ad2c-4180-a02a-2db5f00380df_en
Press contact
Christina GIANNOPAPA, EUSPA Head of Office
christina.giannopapa@euspa.europa.eu
Damian Ortiz PINEAU, EUSPA Communications Officer
damian.ortiz@euspa.europa.eu
Zenon MELKIS, Ministry of Defense, CYPRUS
zmelkis@mod.gov.cy
Source: European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
🔗 https://www.euspa.europa.eu/pressroom/press-releases/cyprus-completes-first-operational-use-eu-govsatcom-hub-services-marking