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Europe Accelerates Push for Sovereign Satellite Networks to Challenge Starlink

Recent contracts for the IRIS² constellation and investments in direct-to-device services highlight Europe's drive for space autonomy as geopolitical concerns reshape satellite communications.

Military specialists test a Kymeta satellite terminal attached to a command-and-control all-terrain tactical vehicle during an exercise at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Christian Alston
Military specialists test a Kymeta satellite terminal attached to a command-and-control all-terrain tactical vehicle during an exercise at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Christian Alston
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 5 with 28 Starlink satellites onboard
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Credit: European Commission

Overview

  • The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is prioritizing investment in domestic satellite infrastructure to reduce reliance on U.S.-owned systems like Starlink.
  • Contracts for the $11 billion IRIS² project have been signed, aiming to deploy over 290 satellites by 2031 to create a multi-orbit sovereign broadband network.
  • Europe is expanding its role in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, with SES investing in Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile partnering with Vodafone to strengthen European capabilities.
  • Starlink remains dominant with over 5 million subscribers and 7,000 satellites, playing a critical role in defense scenarios such as Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
  • SpaceX continues to enhance Starlink’s offerings, with plans for service guarantees and rapid upgrades through its Starship rocket, even as competition intensifies globally.