MDA Space wins Mitsubishi Electric contract for Japan defense satellite

MDA Space Ltd. (NYSE: MDA) has been selected by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) to design and manufacture the digital payload, antennas, and various subsystems for a next-generation defense communications satellite ordered by the Japan Ministry of Defense, according to a press release dated June 25, 2026.

The satellite program will replace DSN-2, also known as Kirameki-2, in geostationary orbit. MDA Space's UK facility will develop the anti-jamming, multi-beam digital beamforming payload, which can be dynamically reconfigured in orbit. The company's Montréal facility will manufacture and test advanced antenna solutions, including an analog repeater, before shipping components to Japan, where Mitsubishi Electric will perform final assembly, integration, and testing.

MDA Space will also supply deployable mechanism components for thrusters and reflectors as part of the program.

"It's an honour for us to once again be collaborating with long-time customer Mitsubishi Electric, this time to provide key technology for Japan's critical defence communication infrastructure," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space.

UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd noted the involvement of MDA Space's UK facility in providing digital beamforming technology for Japan's future defense communications.

The contract value was not disclosed. MDA Space said the contract will be added to its backlog in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

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