Europe launches IRIS2 satellites as war looms and Starlink threatens sovereignty
The EU is rolling out IRIS2, a 290-satellite, multi-orbit network designed to give Europe its own secure, high-speed internet coverage and reduce reliance on foreign providers such as SpaceX’s Starlink. Built with European-made, encrypted satellites, IRIS2 aims to provide guaranteed access for all member states under full EU control, with initial services targeted for 2029 and full operations by 2030.
The project sits at the centre of Europe’s push for data and defence sovereignty, sharpened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and fears among member states that war may be coming. Officials frame IRIS2 as both a commercial and government tool and a step toward a “sovereign military cloud,” complementing the GOVSATCOM secure communications programme. Alongside this, Germany is committing €35 billion to space defence, and France and Germany are developing Odin’s Eye, a satellite early-warning system. Together, these moves mark a shift in Europe’s space strategy from science and commerce toward hard security and strategic autonomy.
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