(Reuters) -Boeing Co ( BA ) said on Thursday it had secured a $2.8 billion U.S. contract to develop and produce two satellites with options for two more.

The Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program will deliver space-based nuclear, command, control, and communications for the U.S. president and joint strategic global forces.

Boeing ( BA ) is set to deliver the first of two space vehicles by 2031.

When deployed in geostationary orbit, the ESS will provide persistent coverage to strategic warfighters worldwide.