U.S. Space Force awards Boeing up to $2 billion contract to extend secure global military communications

Boeing has been selected by the U.S. Space Force for a contract worth up to $2 billion to develop the next phase of the Mobile User Objective System Service Life Extension (MUOS SLE) programme, aimed at strengthening secure military communications worldwide.

The programme includes the development and delivery of two new narrowband communications satellites, with the first expected to be delivered in 2031. These satellites will support voice and essential data communications for military users operating across land, sea and air, particularly in environments where reliable connectivity is limited.

MUOS SLE is designed to enhance and extend an existing secure ultra-high-frequency (UHF) communications network used by the U.S. military. Boeing, which has played a key role in the current MUOS constellation, will build the satellites on its 702MP spacecraft platform, leveraging its existing production line to improve schedule reliability and performance.

According to Boeing, the upgraded system will increase communications capacity, reduce interference and improve resilience in challenging operational environments such as remote terrain, urban areas and severe weather conditions.

The contract builds on Boeing’s established role in military satellite communications and reflects continued U.S. Space Force investment in resilient, globally available secure communications infrastructure for future operations.