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.

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.

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.

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.

Ukraine’s new Magura W6P naval drone patrols 1000 km, offering longer range and smarter sea reconnaissance, Militarnyi reports. This latest model shifts from strike operations to focus on maritime patrol and intelligence gathering. Militarnyi’s correspondent visited a closed presentation of the new maritime robotic system, recently organized by Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency.

Magura W6P naval drone patrols 1000 km with enhanced stability and sensors

Magura W6P replaces kamikaze capabilities with advanced reconnaissance systems and an extended operational radius from 800 km to 1000 km. Unlike its predecessor Magura v5, which reached speeds up to 50 knots, the W6P has a top speed of 36 knots and cruises at 21 knots powered by a 200-horsepower Suzuki DF200 gasoline engine. This change favors endurance over speed for longer patrols.

The drone features a unique trimaran hull with two outriggers, increasing stability at sea and reducing side rolling during waves or movement. This design also expands the deck width to 2 meters, providing space for mounting equipment such as launch containers for strike FPV drones, although the W6P itself no longer performs kamikaze attacks. The full loaded weight is 1,900 kg, including a 400 kg payload capacity.

Advanced radar, optical systems, and satellite communications enhance reconnaissance

Magura W6P is equipped with a gyro-stabilized optical station featuring day and thermal imaging channels. The drone’s onboard Furuno radar detects ships up to 30 kilometers away and large tankers up to 60 kilometers, though the low antenna height may reduce this range. Smaller boats can be detected within 7 kilometers.

Additionally, the drone uses a multichannel satellite communication system to maintain control despite enemy electronic warfare attempts.

Magura W6P part of Ukraine’s growing naval drone defense system

Ukraine’s naval forces and developers are working to integrate unmanned systems like Magura W6P into a comprehensive maritime defense network. These drones will patrol, locate, and help neutralize threats in Ukraine’s waters.