EC Continues to Push Deployment of the IRIS² Secure Satellite System

The European Commission has signed the concession contract for the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), a multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites, with the SpaceRISE consortium. This partnership will develop, deploy, and operate the European Union's new system. It is a significant step towards Europe's sovereignty and secure connectivity.

IRIS² represents the EU's third flagship program, designed to address pressing long-term challenges in security, safety, and resilience. By offering advanced connectivity services to governmental users and bridging connectivity gaps across the Union, IRIS² underpins Europe's strategic autonomy and technological leadership. The IRIS² system will leverage the unique advantages of both Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. This cutting-edge constellation will provide secure connectivity services for EU Member States and governmental authorities, and high-speed broadband for private companies and European citizens, including coverage in connectivity-deprived zones.

The SpaceRISE consortium, entrusted with implementing this ambitious project, includes three leading European satellite network operators: SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat. It is supported by a core team of European subcontractors from the satcom ecosystem. Key partners include Thales Alenia Space, OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat, and Thales SIX. This collaboration emphasizes a commitment to competitiveness and innovation, ensuring that Small and Medium Enterprises and new market entrants have opportunities within the supply chain.

The 12-year concession contract establishes a robust public-private partnership to enable governmental and commercial connectivity services by 2030. In this agreement, the EU is serving as the anchor customer for services. This also means the consortium will get funding sourced from public investments by the EU and the European Space Agency, alongside private investments from the SpaceRISE consortium. To ensure financial sustainability, the EC will make initial budgetary commitments under the current multiannual financial framework. Future funding beyond 2027 will be subject to the adoption of successor programs by the European Parliament and Council alongside the availability of appropriations.