EU accelerates IRIS² satellite programme with expanded constellation
The European Commission has signed an implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium to accelerate the deployment of the IRIS² satellite network, expanding the planned constellation and increasing its capacity for secure government communications.
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have signed an implementation agreement to advance the deployment of IRIS², the European Union’s secure satellite communications programme. The agreement expands the planned constellation by adding 66 new low Earth orbit satellites, bringing the total number of satellites to 348 and moving the project into its deployment phase.
The expanded constellation will consist of 330 satellites in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit. According to the Commission, the additional satellites are intended to strengthen the system’s resilience and increase its capacity to support government communications, defence, security operations and emergency services.
The agreement also confirms key elements of the programme, including the system design, deployment schedule, funding arrangements and industrial responsibilities. The Commission said preparations will now focus on satellite manufacturing, ground infrastructure and launch services, with the first launches planned for 2029.
IRIS² is being developed through a public-private partnership involving the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA), the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the SpaceRISE consortium, which includes SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat. Major European aerospace companies, including Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB and Aerospacelab, will contribute to building the system.
The Commission said the expanded programme will require additional funding, which will come from the EU budget for 2028–2034 as well as investments from participating countries. Poland, Hungary and Spain have already announced financial contributions, while discussions with other member states are ongoing.
Once operational, IRIS² is expected to provide secure and reliable satellite connectivity for EU institutions, member states and participating countries, including Norway and Iceland, supporting communications during emergencies, security operations and other critical situations.
