JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Europe Expands Starlink Rival IRIS² to 348 Satellites

August 10, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

IRIS² satellite constellation expands to 348 satellites.
Launches are targeted for 2029.
The network will boost EU government capacity by 60%.
Total investment is now above €15.6 billion.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This expansion may indicate the EU's growing concern about secure connectivity and autonomy from foreign networks. The increased capacity suggests a significant investment in government and defense communications, which could enhance the EU's strategic position in the global satellite market.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

EU Boosts Secure Government Communications Capacity by 60 Percent

The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have signed an implementation agreement to roll out Europe’s IRIS² satellite constellation, expanding the network to 348 satellites. The project aims to provide secure, autonomous connectivity to EU governments and emergency services, with launches starting in 2029. The €15.6 billion network will boost EU government capacity by 60%, according to the European Commission. This development was first reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: August 8, 2026

Companies Mentioned