BRUSSELS / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission has approved the large-scale deployment of the IRIS² satellite constellation after signing an expanded implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium. This historic multilateral deal adds 66 Low Earth Orbit satellites to the program, increasing the fleet to 348. The goal is to provide secure, sovereign communications both across Europe and globally.
According to the revised plan, the core satellite network will expand from 282 planned units to 348 operational spacecraft. The upgraded architecture will include 330 satellites in higher low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit. Some orbital slots are reserved for specialized missions. The agreement outlines the timeline for manufacturing satellites, securing launches, building ground segments, and providing operational connectivity. The initial satellite launches are scheduled for 2029, enabling participating member states to access sovereign connectivity soon after.
The decision to enlarge the satellite network responds to increasing security concerns and changing defense needs across Europe. The updated design enhances the existing satellite hardware, while an extra layer of 66 low Earth orbit spacecraft is added for defense agencies, national security, and emergency units. Official assessments show this expansion will boost secure governmental communication capacity by 60 percent within the European Union and by 54 percent worldwide. This will strengthen regional capabilities during emergencies and critical infrastructure crises.
EU Commission Enters Contract to Grow IRIS2 Satellite Network
The SpaceRISE consortium, responsible for development and 12 years of operation, includes major European satellite providers such as SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. The public sector work is coordinated with the European Space Agency, which offers engineering support and launch management. Manufacturing involves a wide network of European aerospace companies, including Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence and Space, and OHB. Telecom firms Orange and Deutsche Telekom also participate.
Funding for the expanded satellite system relies on a public-private partnership. It combines European Union budget funds, national contributions, and private investments from consortium members. Member states are formalizing financial commitments for deployment from 2028 to 2034. Reports confirm Poland allocated 656 million euros, Hungary committed 500 million euros, and Spain plans investments between 1.6 billion and 2 billion euros. Negotiations for additional national funding are ongoing.
Technical Improvements Increase Governmental Secure Capacity by 60 Percent
The expanded system will also serve non-EU nations like Norway and Iceland through official agreements. IRIS2 is the third major space project of the European Union, after Galileo and Copernicus. It aims to deliver high-security, tamper-proof communication for public authorities and help close digital gaps in remote regions. The network will operate with military-grade encryption on dedicated spectrum bands. It is designed to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyber and physical threats.
As full-scale manufacturing begins across European plants, the European Commission and SpaceRISE will oversee phased milestones leading to initial orbit testing. The agreement ensures the EU can expand IRIS2 to meet strategic autonomy goals. This creates a resilient, European-owned orbital asset capable of supporting civil protection, defense, and commercial services for decades to come.