BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission has authorized the large-scale deployment of the IRIS² satellite constellation after executing an expanded implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium. This historic multilateral accord introduces 66 Low Earth Orbit satellites to the system, increasing the total fleet to 348 satellites intended to provide sovereign, high-security communications across Europe and beyond.
As part of the revised deal, the core satellite network will grow from 282 planned units to a total of 348 active spacecraft. The expanded architecture includes 330 satellites positioned in higher low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit, with optional orbital slots reserved for specialized missions. The implementation plan sets clear deadlines for satellite production, launch procurement, secure ground segment development, and operational connectivity services. The initial satellite launches are scheduled for 2029, enabling participating member states to access early sovereign connectivity shortly thereafter.
This decision to enlarge the satellite constellation directly responds to increased security concerns and the evolving defense operational needs across Europe. Under the new design, the baseline satellite hardware will receive technical upgrades. Additionally, an extra layer of 66 low Earth orbit satellites will be added specifically to serve defense agencies, national security entities, and emergency responders. Technical evaluations suggest that this expansion will boost secure governmental communication capacity by 60 percent within EU territory and by 54 percent worldwide, strengthening regional capabilities during emergency situations and critical infrastructure crises.
EU Signs Contract to Broaden IRIS2 Satellite Network with SpaceRISE Partnership
The SpaceRISE consortium, responsible for the primary development and a 12-year operational concession, includes leading European satellite operators such as SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. Implementation efforts are closely coordinated with the European Space Agency, which provides engineering expertise and launch support. Manufacturing involves a wide network of European aerospace firms, including Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence and Space, and OHB. Telecommunications companies Orange and Deutsche Telekom are also engaged in the project.
Funding for the expanded satellite system is structured through a public-private partnership, combining resources from the European Union budget, individual national governments, and private sector investments from consortium members. Member states are formalizing financial contributions for deployment across the 2028-2034 budget period. Official records show that Poland pledged 656 million euros, Hungary allocated 500 million euros, and Spain announced investments between 1.6 billion euros and 2 billion euros. Other national funding agreements are currently under negotiation.
Upgraded Technology Will Increase Secure Government Communications by 60 Percent
The expanded communication network will also support nations outside the EU, such as Norway and Iceland, through specific administrative agreements. IRIS2 is the third major space initiative of the European Union after Galileo and Copernicus. It aims to provide high-performance, tamper-proof communication capabilities for public authorities while helping bridge digital divides in remote regions. The system will operate with military-grade encryption standards over dedicated spectrum bands, ensuring protection against cyber threats and physical signal disruptions.
Manufacturing is now underway across European facilities. The European Commission and SpaceRISE will oversee phased milestones leading to initial orbital testing. This agreement guarantees that the EU will expand IRIS2 to meet long-term strategic autonomy goals. The satellite constellation will serve as a resilient, European-owned asset supporting civil protection, defense operations, and commercial digital services for decades to come.