The EU’s alternative to Starlink: a new satellite network will cover Ukraine
28 January 09:37
The European Union has launched part of its own satellite communications network for the first time as part of a €10.6 billion program. It will serve as an alternative to Starlink and reduce dependence on the US.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Bloomberg.
Elements of the IRIS2 and Govsatcom networks began operating last week and are being used by government officials and the military. European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius noted that Ukraine has also submitted a request for access, and the relevant provisions are currently being prepared.
“Now all member countries will have access to sovereign satellite communications. Military and government. Secure and encrypted. Built in Europe – operated in Europe, under European control,” he said, adding that, according to experts, the network will be better than Starlink.
The IRIS2 network will have 290 satellites in different orbits and will serve both private customers and governments. According to Kubilius, preparations for operation will be completed by 2030.
“Geopolitical events require us to speed up our work and provide these services,” the European Commissioner stressed.
According to him, such systems are an important element of the so-called “strategic factors” — high-tech military capabilities in which the EU is heavily dependent on the US.
As a reminder, the Russians have recently begun equipping their Molniya-2 drones with Starlink satellite systems. As a result, the effectiveness of such drones on the battlefield has increased.
