The European Union has announced the IRIS² satellite constellation, a €11 billion project aimed at enhancing secure communication and defence capabilities. The system, with 290 satellites, is set to be fully operational by 2030.
Strengthening Europe’s Security and Connectivity
The European Commission signed a 12-year contract with a consortium including SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat S.A. The IRIS² system (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite) will provide secure communication for EU governments, defence forces, and citizens, while also offering high-speed internet to underserved regions.
EU Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius described IRIS² as a “paradigm shift”, highlighting the need for autonomous communication systems due to threats like cyberattacks and Russian interference. The system’s multi-orbital approach ensures global coverage and resilience in crisis situations.
Funding and Deployment Timeline
The project is funded by €6 billion from the EU budget, €550 million from the European Space Agency (ESA), and €4.1 billion in private investments. Development will run until 2028, with satellite launches starting in 2029 using up to 13 Ariane 6 rockets.
From 2025, countries like France, Italy, Luxembourg, Greece, and Spain will begin sharing satellite capacity through the GovSatcom programme, with services rolling out by 2027. Interested nations such as Norway, Iceland, Japan, and South Korea may join as full members or customers.
IRIS² marks a key step toward a more secure and connected Europe.
