Commission accelerates IRIS² deployment with enhanced security and expanded satellites network 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today, the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium concluded negotiations and signed an implementation agreement to roll out IRIS², the European Union’s new flagship satellite constellation. The agreement, among other things, adds 66 satellites into low Earth orbit to the programme, bringing the main constellation to 348 satellites, and moving it from planning to full-scale deployment. 

These negotiations, which began in January, confirmed the programme’s key parameters and necessary adjustments, including the design, system capacity, deployment schedule, target price and private operators’ investment. Under the agreement, European manufacturers have committed to delivering the additional satellites, designed with enhanced resilience. Concrete next steps are now in place to achieve first launches by 2029.  

Once operational, the constellation will provide sovereign, secure and highly reliable connectivity for European governments, defence and security forces, and emergency services across Europe. 

From plans to deployment: concrete next steps towards 2029 

The Commission, the European Space Agency and the EU Agency for the Space Programme, together with the SpaceRISE consortium and European industrial partners, have defined the next steps needed to deliver IRIS². These include finalising the detailed design of the satellite constellation, preparing the construction of satellites and secure ground infrastructure, securing launch services, and progressively deploying operational connectivity services from 2029 onwards.

The future constellation will comprise 348 satellites, consisting of 330 satellites in low Earth orbit and 18 satellites in Medium Earth Orbit, with additional optional elements to support specific missions. 

A reinforced constellation for security and resilience 

To respond to a changing security environment, the Commission is increasing the capacity of IRIS² beyond the original design. A dedicated layer of an additional 66 High-low Earth orbit satellites will strengthen capabilities for defence, security and emergency services further enhancing its architecture.  

This reinforcement will increase secure governmental capacity by 60% within the EU and 54% globally, while significantly expanding Europe’s ability to support critical missions during crises. 

European industry commits to delivering IRIS² 

IRIS² will be built through a strong Team Europe approach, combining the expertise of the European Commission, Member States, the European Space Agency, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and European industry. Under the public-private partnership, the SpaceRISE consortium (consisting of SES, EUTELSAT and HISPASAT) and European manufacturers have committed to deliver the required space and ground infrastructure to meet the accelerated timeline. 

The industrial team includes major European space companies such as Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB and Aerospacelab, together with numerous companies across the European supply chain. By design, the programme will also generate opportunities for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps developing innovative space technologies. 

Secure connectivity when it matters most 

IRIS² will enable authorised governmental users across EU Member States and participating countries, currently Norway and Iceland, to communicate securely and continuously during critical operations. Whether responding to emergencies, protecting critical infrastructure or supporting security missions, IRIS² will provide Europe with an autonomous and resilient connectivity capability. 

Ensuring value for money 

The faster deployment and increased capacity required for defence and security needs mean an additional investment in the programme budget. This investment will support enhanced satellite technologies and the deployment of the expanded constellation, while ensuring efficient use of existing programme resources. Funding will come from a combination of EU budget resources for 2028–2034 and additional investments from Member States and third countries. 

Member States are already strengthening IRIS² through national investments to address specific additional needs. Poland and Hungary have already committed €656 million and €500 million respectively, while Spain has announced investments between €1.6 and €2 billion. Further Member State contributions are under consideration, with the relevant agreements currently being finalised. 

Next steps 

With a clear roadmap setting out the next steps, the Commission sent an official letter to the European Parliament and Member States to inform them of the outcome of the negotiations and the implementation phase.  

Under the leadership of the Commission and the technical expertise of the European Space Agency, the SpaceRISE consortium will now accelerate programme development. This includes satellite manufacturing, the procurement of launch services, and the development of secure ground infrastructure to ensure the timely deployment of the constellation. 

Background 

IRIS² satellite network will provide sovereign, secure and reliable connectivity across Europe and beyond. It helps protect Europe’s connectivity independence and ensures that governments, emergency services and citizens can stay connected, even in remote areas or during crises. 

On 16 December 2024, the Commission signed the 12-year IRIS² concession contract with the SpaceRISE consortium (SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat), turning the EU’s planned secure satellite connectivity system into an officially funded and legally binding project. The agreement launched the public-private partnership to design, build, deploy and operate IRIS². 

Since December 2024, the SpaceRISE consortium and the Commission have focused on detailing the system design, allocating industrial work packages, and preparing large-scale procurement for satellites, launch services and ground infrastructure. At the same time, they have continued refining the constellation architecture and security requirements. 

The Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium began negotiations on the programme’s governance, technical set-up and financing, known as Rendezvous 1, in January 2026. The negotiations were concluded on 7 August 2026. 

For more information  

IRIS²: the new EU Secure Satellite Constellation 

IRIS² factsheet  

IRIS² video