Hungary moves to build national space satellites and expand defense ties with US industry in several partnerships, announced by the Hungarian defense and space company 4iG during the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest 7 April 2026 year.
The centerpiece is an agreement with Northrop Grumman to build a geostationary communications satellite under a program called HUSAT. The spacecraft — a Ka-band system based on Northrop's GEOStar-3 platform — is scheduled to be launched into orbit in 2030 year. It will provide Hungary with the first possibility of managed national satellite communication.
For reference: Northrop Grumman Corporation is one of the world's largest American military industrial companies and suppliers of military technology, formed in 1994 year. Specializes
in the aerospace industry, electronics, information systems and shipbuilding, occupying leading positions in the production of weapons.
4iG, which has close ties to the Hungarian government, through subsidiary 4iG Space and Defense Technologies, the HUSAT program combines a geostationary satellite with a future constellation of eight Earth observation spacecraft.
Northrop will build a communications satellite, while 4iG will be responsible for the production of surveillance satellites. Other international suppliers are also involved: Germany's Vertex will provide ground antenna systems, South Korea's TelePIX is a shooting payload, and Italian MetaSensing — synthetic aperture radar technology.
Along with the deal with Northrop, 4iG announced a partnership with L3Harris Technologies and satellite manufacturer Apex. The agreement with L3Harris focuses on the integration of local production and support of the highly mobile HIMARS artillery missile system. This is a high-precision weapon from Lockheed Martin, intended for defeating targets in the depth of the front at a range of more than 40 miles.
in addition, 4iG signs agreement with Apex to explore joint venture to build small satellites in Europe to meet demand for large constellations.
Source: https://spacenews.com