Europe expands IRIS2 satellite network to 348, competes with Starlink
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The European Commission has signed an agreement to expand Europe's IRIS2 satellite broadband network, adding 66 satellites to the planned constellation and taking its main network to 348 satellites.
The European Commission signed the implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium on August 7, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA). The agreement moves the IRIS2 programme from the planning stage towards full-scale deployment.
IRIS2 is being developed as Europe's response to satellite internet services such as Starlink. The network is intended to provide secure and reliable connectivity for European governments, defence and security forces and emergency services.
The expanded constellation will comprise 330 satellites in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit, along with additional optional elements for specific missions. The additional 66 satellites are intended to strengthen the network's capabilities for defence, security and emergency services.
According to the ESA, the expansion will increase secure governmental capacity by 60% within the European Union and 54% globally. It is also expected to strengthen Europe's ability to support critical missions during emergencies and other situations requiring secure communications.
The network is designed to help governments and emergency services maintain connectivity during crises and in remote areas, while strengthening Europe's autonomous and resilient communications capabilities.
The European Commission and its partners plan to begin launching the first IRIS2 satellites in 2029, with services also expected to begin progressively that year.
The European Commission signed a 12-year concession contract with the SpaceRISE consortium on December 16, 2024, establishing a public-private partnership to develop and operate the satellite connectivity system.
Since then, the Commission and SpaceRISE have worked on the system's design, industrial responsibilities and preparations for satellites, launch services and ground infrastructure. Negotiations on governance, technical arrangements and financing began in January 2026 and concluded on August 6, 2026.