EU launches own alternative to Starlink. The system is currently intended for European governments and militaries
The European Union has, for the first time, activated elements of its own secure satellite communications network, a €10.6 billion strategic project designed as a European alternative to Starlink. The initiative aims to reduce Europe's dependence on American infrastructure, in a context marked by increasingly heightened geopolitical tensions, reports Bloomberg.
Starlink satellite/PHOTO: Archive
Components of the IRIS2 and GOVSATCOM systems entered, last week, a limited operation phase, intended exclusively for governments and military structures, announced the European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, during the European Space Conference, held in Brussels.
According to him, Ukraine has already requested access to the European network, and the authorities in Brussels are currently working on the technical and legal mechanisms necessary for Kiev's integration into the system.
“For the first time, all member states can benefit from sovereign satellite communications – both for government and military use. We are talking about a secure and encrypted system, created in Europe, operated in Europe and under full European control. Our ambition is for this network to be even better than Starlink”stated Kubilius.
In its final form, the IRIS2 network will comprise approximately 290 satellites placed in different orbits. According to official plans, the system would become fully operational by 2030 and provide services to both public institutions and the private sector.
The construction and operation of the satellites is provided by a consortium consisting of the Luxembourg company SES, the French group Eutelsat and the Spanish operator Hispasat.
“Geopolitical developments force us to accelerate implementation and provide these services as quickly as possible”Kubilius pointed out, explaining that satellite communications networks are a key element of so-called strategic capabilities – areas of advanced military technology in which Europe has, until now, relied heavily on the United States.
The launch of IRIS2 is seen in Brussels as a decisive step towards strengthening European strategic autonomy, at a time when the security, defense and control of critical infrastructures have become major priorities on the Union's agenda.
