Europe is building its own Starlink. IRIS2 is entering a decisive phase

The EU IRIS2 satellite system, ultimately including 290 satellites, should start providing its first services in 2029, said Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, in Brussels.

Encrypted communications system for governments and institutions

– I asked all partners to increase the pace of work on IRIS2. I am convinced that we will be able to launch the first services as early as 2029, said Kubilius during a speech in Brussels, quoted by Reuters.

IRIS2 is intended to provide an encrypted communications system for EU governments and public institutions. The project is part of the EU's efforts to strengthen strategic autonomy in space, in the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and growing political tensions with the United States.

Kubilius also announced the launch of the GOVSATCOM operation, which he described as another important step in increasing the EU's competitiveness towards the US and China in the space sector. GOVSATCOM integrates the national satellite systems of member states.

– We started GOVSATCOM operations last week. This means that all member states have access to sovereign, secure and encrypted satellite communications for the military and public administration. Built in Europe, operated in Europe and under European control, the Commissioner emphasized.

EU security depends on the ability to stay connected

European Commission Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, said on Tuesday that the EU's security depends on the ability to stay connected in all circumstances.

– GOVSATCOM is now ready to provide this crucial connection. By building our own secure satellite services, we break dependencies and take full control of our digital security. This is a victory for European sovereignty and an important milestone in the implementation of the European Space Program, she said.

In 2027, the range and capabilities of the system will be expanded to ensure secure communication around the world, also with the participation of trusted commercial partners that meet stringent security requirements.

From Brussels Łukasz Osiński (PAP)

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