Defence

Progress for EDA's ESCPC scheme

Posted 10 February 2014

Since a framework contract between the European Defence Agency (EDA) and Astrium Services was signed in September 2012, the EDA's initiative for the pooled procurement of commercial satellite communication services known as the European Satellite Communication Procurement Cell (ESCPC) has now proven its operational and financial value to Member States.

In 2013 the ESCPC scheme facilitated orders of more than €1 million. Three additional contributing Member States (Belgium, Finland and Luxembourg) have joined the five ESCPC founding nations (France, Italy, Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom) while others declared their interest in the pay-per-use scheme.

In military operations satellite communications are fundamental for Communication, Command and Control. They also allow operational effectiveness of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.

Member States often resort to commercial satellite communications either to complement similar military capabilities or as the sole means to effectively conduct military operations.

The EDA ESCPC pools commercial satellite communication demand from a number of European defence departments, reducing costs by up to 20%.

Astrium Services (now within Airbus Defence & Space) serves as the contractual, commercial and operational interface allowing for a flexible 'pay per use' access to satellite communications - without the administrative burden - for Member States.