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Poland Pledges €656 M to IRIS² Secure Satellite Internet

7/21/2026

Summary

Poland Signs IRIS²

Poland signed a €656 million IRIS² contribution on 21 July 2026, 10 percent of programme’s value, placing it among six leading partners with France, Spain, Germany and Luxembourg, with interior minister Marcin Kierwinski and defence-space commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
IRIS² will launch satellites from 2029 to 2031-2032 to give secure internet to armed forces, police, border and coast guards.
Poland will receive a gateway and autonomous satellite control, with Kubilius saying the system is cheaper.

Summary

Kubilius touts IRIS²

Kubilius said IRIS² will use quantum encryption, a capability he claims is unique worldwide.
He noted that some experts believe the system could outperform Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service.
Kubilius argued Europe’s space record contradicts its reputation, citing Galileo as the world’s best navigation system.
He added that Copernicus is regarded as the best Earth-observation constellation, supporting the IRIS² ambition.

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Poland Signs IRIS²

Poland signed a €656 million IRIS² contribution on 21 July 2026, 10 percent of programme’s value, placing it among six leading partners with France, Spain, Germany and Luxembourg, with interior minister Marcin Kierwinski and defence-space commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
IRIS² will launch satellites from 2029 to 2031-2032 to give secure internet to armed forces, police, border and coast guards.
Poland will receive a gateway and autonomous satellite control, with Kubilius saying the system is cheaper.

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