Spain, Norway to build telecoms satellite

Spain said it signed a deal with Norway Tuesday to build a telecommunications satellite, to be launched in 2014 and used for both civilian and military purposes.

"The deal will involve investment of 300 million euros (380 million dollars) and allow the creation of more than 1,000 jobs," said a statement by Spain's Defence Minister Carme Chacon, who signed the agreement with her Norwegian counterpart, Grete Faremo.

Spain's government, through its satellite communications operator Hisdesat, will have a 60 percent stake, while Norway's Defence Logistic Organisation will hold the rest.

The satellite, "scheduled for launch in 2014, will provide better strategic communications coverage for the two countries, in the military as well as civilian sectors," the statement said.

Spain and Norway already cooperate in the defence sector, notably in the construction of frigates.

(c) 2010 AFP