IRIS²
EU Secure Connectivity Programme
IRIS² in a nutshell
IRIS² is the European Union's new satellite network, designed to provide secure and reliable connectivity across Europe and beyond. It will help protect Europe's digital independence and ensure that governments, emergency services, businesses and citizens can stay connected, even in remote areas or during times of crisis.
The system will include 348 satellites operating in both low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). By combining the strengths of both orbits, IRIS² will deliver secure, resilient and high-quality connectivity wherever it is needed.
Why is IRIS² important for our Union?
Today, most of us expect to be connected wherever we are. Whether we are making a phone call, accessing online services or using navigation, reliable connectivity has become part of everyday life.
However, this is not always possible. In remote areas, so called "dead zones", or during natural disasters, cyberattacks or other emergencies, ground-based communication networks can become unavailable or overloaded.
IRIS² is Europe's answer to these challenges. As the European Union's Secure Connectivity Programme, it will provide a resilient, secure and sovereign satellite communication system that complements existing terrestrial networks.
The constellation will deliver highly secure communications for EU governments, defence, security and emergency services, while also providing high speed broadband for citizens and businesses in areas where traditional networks are unavailable or unreliable.
The IRIS² constellation
The future IRIS² constellation will include 348 satellites. Most of them (330) will operate in low Earth orbit, while 18 will operate in medium Earth orbit. Additional optional satellites may also be added to support specific missions.
As Europe's security environment continues to evolve, the European Commission is strengthening IRIS² beyond its original design. An additional layer of 66 high low Earth orbit satellites will provide extra capacity for defence, security and emergency response services, making the system even more resilient and better prepared for future challenges.
This upgrade will increase secure communication capacity for governments by 60% within the EU and 54% worldwide, helping Europe respond more effectively to crises, protect critical infrastructure and ensure secure communications whenever they are needed.
IRIS² in action
Once operational, the constellation will provide sovereign, secure and highly reliable connectivity for European governments, defence and security forces, and emergency services across Europe.
Government
IRIS² will provide secure, encrypted communications for EU institutions, ministries, and embassies, ensuring sensitive information can be exchanged safely. It will support defence operations, border and maritime surveillance, and intelligence-sharing, particularly in areas with limited terrestrial networks. The system will also strengthen crisis management by ensuring reliable connectivity for emergency responders during natural disasters or network outages, and help protect critical
Businesses
IRIS² will enable a wide range of commercial applications by delivering resilient and secure connectivity. It will support sectors such as transport, energy, and banking through real-time data exchange and secure operations, while benefiting industries in remote or offshore environments. It will also facilitate services like remote healthcare and smart grid management and reinforce existing networks through satellite-based solutions.
Individuals
IRIS² will improve everyday connectivity by expanding access to high-speed internet, especially in rural and underserved “digital dead zones.” It will enhance mobile and fixed broadband services, support access to cloud-based applications, and ensure continuity of connectivity even when terrestrial networks are disrupted. IRIS² will help ensure that people remain connected wherever they are, including in remote regions where traditional infrastructure falls short.
Who contributes to IRIS²?
IRIS² is a truly European project, owned and managed by the European Commission, which acts as the programme manager. It brings together EU Member States, the European Space Agency, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and Europe's space industry.
The programme is being delivered through a public private partnership with the SpaceRISE consortium, made up of SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat. Together with European manufacturers, the consortium is responsible for building and operating the system on an accelerated timeline.
The industrial team includes leading European space companies such as Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, OHB and Aerospacelab, alongside hundreds of companies across Europe's supply chain.
IRIS² is also creating new opportunities for start-ups, small and medium sized enterprises and innovative mid sized companies. By supporting innovation, skilled jobs and new technologies, the programme is helping to strengthen Europe's space industry and reinforce Europe's technological leadership for the future.
Frequently asked questions
IRIS² is designed as a secure, sovereign European connectivity system. Unlike commercial mega-constellations, it focuses on secure communications for governments, critical infrastructure, and defence, while also providing high-speed broadband for citizens and businesses. It combines different types of satellites and integrates advanced security features to ensure resilience and strategic autonomy for the EU.
The European Commission has awarded the IRIS² concession contract to the SpaceRISE consortium, which brings together leading European operators. The consortium will design, deploy, and operate the constellation under a public-private partnership model.