EU Finalizes IRIS² Satellite Broadband Implementation

The European Commission has signed a definitive implementation agreement to launch IRIS², a sovereign satellite broadband network aimed at securing governmental communications and reducing reliance on non-European commercial operators. The deal, concluded after negotiations that began in January 2026, formalizes the transition from planning to full-scale deployment, with the first satellites slated for launch in 2029.

EngadgetEurope Fast-Tracks EUR 348M Sovereign Broadband to Rival Starlink

The finalized blueprint expands the constellation to 348 satellites—66 more than originally planned. The architecture comprises 330 low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites and 18 medium-Earth-orbit (Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)) satellites positioned about 8,000 km above the planet. This dual-orbit design provides resilience and optical inter-satellite links capable of military-grade encryption, boosting system capacity by roughly 60 % within the EU and 54 % globally.

Europe Fast-Tracks EUR 348M Sovereign Broadband to Rival Starlink Engadget

IRIS² was conceived as a modest supplemental network but was re-scaled to address growing concerns over the EU’s dependence on foreign broadband providers. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the SpaceRISE consortium—led by telecommunications firms SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat—joined the Commission to ensure a sovereign alternative for critical government, emergency-service and border-surveillance communications.

Europe Fast-Tracks EUR 348M Sovereign Broadband to Rival Starlink

Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized that the reinforced architecture will give member states, emergency services and citizens resilient, autonomous connectivity now and in future crises. The ESA highlighted that the additional satellites will strengthen capabilities for defence, security and emergency services, increasing secure governmental capacity by 60 % within the EU and 54 % worldwide.

Europe Fast-Tracks EUR 348M Sovereign Broadband to Rival Starlink

While primarily focused on European governmental users, IRIS² is mandated to extend secure communications to regions lacking reliable ground infrastructure, notably parts of Africa. By offering an EU-controlled broadband alternative, the network seeks to enhance strategic autonomy, support humanitarian missions and provide a counterweight to commercial constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink.

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