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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Euroactiv: Ukraine welcome to join EU’s IRIS² satellite network as Starlink reliance sparks unease
    Ukraine “could yet join” the European Union’s new IRIS² satellite network, as the country continues to rely on Elon Musk’s Starlink for military communications during the war against Russia. Euroactiv reports that European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius said Ukraine, together with the UK and Norway, is welcome to participate in the multibillion-euro program, which is designed as a secure alternative to Starlink. In March, the Financial Times reported that the European Union
     
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✇Euromaidan Press

Euroactiv: Ukraine welcome to join EU’s IRIS² satellite network as Starlink reliance sparks unease

Par :Yuri Zoria
29 juillet 2025 à 04:51

eu invites ukraine join iris² satellite network starlink reliance sparks unease illustration defence-industry-spaceeceuropaeu iris invited consider joining european union’s new country continues rely elon musk’s military communications during war against

Ukraine “could yet join” the European Union’s new IRIS² satellite network, as the country continues to rely on Elon Musk’s Starlink for military communications during the war against Russia. Euroactiv reports that European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius said Ukraine, together with the UK and Norway, is welcome to participate in the multibillion-euro program, which is designed as a secure alternative to Starlink.

In March, the Financial Times reported that the European Union had been in talks with four major European satellite operators – SES from Luxembourg, Hisdesat from Spain, Viasat from the United Kingdom and Eutelsat/OneWeb from France and the United Kingdom – to find alternatives to Starlink for Ukraine’s defense needs.

EU considers Ukraine for IRIS² satellite program

Kubilius told Euroactiv that non-EU countries such as Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Norway could join the IRIS² network once it becomes operational. Norway has already started negotiations with the European Commission, but talks with Ukraine and the United Kingdom have not yet begun.

He stressed that he would not be opposed to their participation. Iceland, which like Norway is part of the European Economic Area, concluded negotiations earlier this month to take part in the IRIS² program.

The commissioner pointed out that Ukraine has significant potential thanks to its long-standing experience as a space hub during the Soviet era. He added that the United Kingdom also has a strong track record in space projects. Kubilius explained that these capabilities make both countries valuable potential partners for the program.

In December 2024 the European Commission signed a 12‑year concession contract with the SpaceRISE consortium to create and operate the IRIS² secure satellite system. IRIS², which stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite, will consist of a multi‑orbital constellation of 290 satellites. The project is one of the European Union’s flagship programs aimed at strengthening sovereignty in space and ensuring secure connectivity.

IRIS² will combine Medium Earth Orbit and Low Earth Orbit satellites to deliver advanced communications services. The first services are expected to become available by 2030, with the EU acting as the anchor customer. The first launch is expected this year.

The constellation is projected to cost €10.6 billion, and is planned as an EU-built secure communication system to reduce dependence on external providers. 

EU Space Act

Kubilius made his remarks after the European Commission presented a draft EU Space Act in Brussels on 25 June. The proposal triggered intense discussions over the future rules for space services. He said that so far there has been no negative reaction from the United States.

 

 

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