The European Union has launched a €10.6 billion initiative to develop IRIS2, a 290-satellite constellation designed to provide secure global internet connectivity by 2030. This ambitious project aims to enhance Europe’s technological sovereignty and provide an alternative to private satellite networks like Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The funding is split between €6 billion from the EU, €4.1 billion from private partners SES SA, Eutelsat SA, and Hispasat SA, and €550 million from the European Space Agency. Approximately half of the system’s capacity will serve governments and militaries, with the remainder available for commercial use.

Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius highlighted the importance of connectivity during critical times, calling the IRIS2 project a major step in Europe’s strategic autonomy in space