The U.S. Space Force has selected Boeing to develop and manufacture two new military communications satellites under the Mobile User Objective System Service Life Extension program, known as MUOS SLE.

The contract could be worth up to $2 billion, while delivery of the first satellite is scheduled for 2031. The new satellites are intended to preserve and enhance global secure voice and data communications capabilities for U.S. and allied military forces.

The MUOS system is designed for users on the ground, at sea and in the air who require reliable communications in areas with limited infrastructure and difficult signal conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on maintaining connectivity over challenging terrain, in densely built urban areas and during severe weather.

Boeing will use its 702MP platform, designed for medium-class spacecraft, for the new satellites. According to the manufacturer, the proposed solution is expected to increase communications capacity, reduce interference and improve connectivity, allowing MUOS to continue supporting global military operations well into the next decade and beyond.

The system relies on Ultra High Frequency, or UHF, communications, which are widely used in military operations because of their ability to maintain links in conditions where other satellite or terrestrial systems may struggle. Narrowband communications allow the transmission of essential voice messages and limited amounts of data, with a strong emphasis on availability, security and resilience.

“For the people who depend on this connectivity, the need is clear: secure communication that works in demanding conditions,” said Sam Greaves, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems, adding that the company is ready to help the Space Force extend and improve a system used in military operations every day.

Boeing also played a role in the development of the existing MUOS constellation, producing and delivering communications payloads installed on the satellites. The company therefore sees the new contract as a continuation of its decades of experience in developing secure UHF communications systems for the U.S. defense sector.

According to Ryan Reid, senior director of Boeing’s Space Communications Programs, narrowband satellite connectivity can serve as a critical lifeline for military users operating in the most demanding conditions. He added that the use of the active 702MP production line would allow the program to start more quickly, improve schedule predictability and rely on previously proven technology.

Since the fourth quarter of 2025, Boeing has delivered several satellites based on the 702MP platform, meaning that the company’s existing production capacity and recent experience should help reduce technical and schedule risks associated with the new program.

The MUOS SLE program is intended to ensure the continuity of one of the United States’ key military satellite communications capabilities. The new satellites will not merely replace existing spacecraft, but are also expected to provide greater capacity, improved resistance to interference and more reliable connectivity for forces operating far from conventional communications infrastructure.