Recent restrictions affecting Starlink services used by Ukraine have renewed concerns about how dependent modern militaries have become on privately operated satellite systems. Ukrainian forces reported that Starlink connections were being restricted when receivers travelled faster than around 160 kilometres per hour, potentially affecting drones and other moving systems. Although service was partially restored, the incident raised a larger strategic question: who ultimately controls the satellite infrastructure on which armed forces depend?
SpaceX operates both Starlink and Starshield, although they serve different purposes. Starlink primarily provides satellite connectivity to consumers and businesses, while Starshield is designed for governments and military customers. SpaceX chief Elon Musk said Starshield is under direct US government control. Nevertheless, the controversy has highlighted Europe’s dependence on foreign satellite technology and strengthened arguments for developing an independent European satellite network.
The EU’s main answer is IRIS², which stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. The system is designed to provide secure communications for governments, military forces, businesses and eventually ordinary citizens. It could also improve connectivity in areas of Europe and Africa where conventional mobile coverage remains limited.
IRIS² is planned as a constellation of 348 satellites, including 330 satellites in low Earth orbit and 18 in medium Earth orbit. An additional defence-focused layer of 66 satellites is intended to strengthen communications for military, security and emergency services. The European satellite network will also incorporate advanced encryption, including quantum-based technologies connected with Europe’s EuroQCI quantum communication infrastructure.
Germany will play an important role. Bremen-based OHB has signed a contract worth almost €1 billion with SES to manufacture 18 medium-Earth-orbit satellites. Meanwhile, Belgian company Aerospacelab is expected to manufacture 264 low-Earth-orbit satellites in a contract worth around €2.4 billion. Airbus will provide at least another 66 satellites designed primarily for secure military communications.
Germany is also considering a separate national military constellation known as SATCOMBw 4. The Bundeswehr wants a smaller Starlink-like network under German control, initially covering NATO’s eastern flank. The completed system could eventually contain more than 100 low-Earth-orbit satellites and cost between €8 billion and €10 billion. Up to 40 satellites could form an initial constellation by 2029.
These projects form part of Germany’s wider plan to invest €35 billion in military space capabilities by 2030. A joint venture between OHB and Rheinmetall is competing for the SATCOMBw 4 contract, with OHB potentially supplying satellites and Rheinmetall providing ground stations and communications equipment.
However, Europe’s biggest challenge may be getting all these satellites into orbit. IRIS² is expected to begin launching in 2029, with services following from 2029 or 2030. Europe plans to rely heavily on Ariane 6, but launch capacity is limited and commercial customers such as Amazon have already reserved numerous flights.
The development of a European satellite network therefore represents more than a telecommunications project. IRIS² and Germany’s military constellation are part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on foreign providers, strengthen European technological sovereignty and ensure that governments and armed forces retain greater control over critical communications during crises.