The European Union's ambition to build its own secure satellite network has taken a decisive step forward. The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have signed an implementation agreement for IRIS², the bloc's flagship satellite programme, marking a major milestone in a project that has been in the making for years.
IRIS² — short for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite — is designed to deliver government-grade, encrypted communication services to EU institutions, national governments, and operators of critical infrastructure. It will also support emergency responders and provide quantum-secured defence layers, along with high-reliability routing for sensitive data.
The agreement adds 66 satellites to the programme, bringing the total to 348. Of these, 330 will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), while 18 will be placed in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). The first launches are scheduled to begin in 2029, with services rolling out progressively.
A European answer to Starlink
The push for a home-grown satellite network comes amid growing concerns over Europe's dependence on foreign providers, particularly SpaceX's Starlink. From in-flight Wi-Fi to drone operations in Ukraine, Starlink has become a ubiquitous presence, but that reliance carries geopolitical and governance risks. The EU's recent tensions with the United States over tariffs and other policy disputes have underscored the need for strategic autonomy.
Unlike Starlink, which targets consumer broadband markets, IRIS² is built specifically for defence, government, and security applications. It is not intended to compete with terrestrial mobile networks like T-Mobile or AT&T, but rather to provide a resilient, sovereign alternative for critical communications. This is especially vital during conflicts or natural disasters, when cell towers and internet infrastructure can be knocked out, leaving satellite connectivity as the only reliable link.
“This agreement is a cornerstone of Europe's digital sovereignty,” said a European Commission spokesperson. “IRIS² will ensure that our governments and critical services can communicate securely, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
The programme's primary users will be European governments and key players in surveillance, defence, and critical commercial sectors such as transport and energy. By building its own constellation, the EU aims to reduce its vulnerability to external disruptions and strengthen its resilience in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
The recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have highlighted the strategic importance of secure satellite communications. Europe's investment in IRIS² is a direct response to these lessons, as the continent seeks to bolster its digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on non-European providers.
While the project is still several years from full operational capability, the signing of the implementation agreement marks a significant milestone. It brings together the European Commission and SpaceRISE, a consortium of European space and technology companies, to deliver what could become one of the EU's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
As Europe continues to navigate a complex geopolitical environment, the development of IRIS² signals a clear commitment to strategic autonomy in space. The first launches in 2029 will be closely watched, as the EU moves closer to having its own secure satellite network, independent of external influence.
