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.

• 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.

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