EU launches GOVSATCOM secure satellite communications
Commissioner Andrius Kubilius says GOVSATCOM is now operational, pooling eight satellites from five member states to offer sovereign, encrypted bandwidth while the bloc scales up to the IRIS² constellation.
- GOVSATCOM operations started last week and give member states access to secure encrypted satellite communications.
- The system currently pools eight satellites from five member states and is open to all, with a Ukrainian access request under analysis.
- Expanded coverage and bandwidth are planned for 2027, and the IRIS² multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites is now expected in 2029.
- The effort aims to reduce EU reliance on foreign services like Starlink and strengthen European defence readiness.
- The Commission plans increased funding for space and defence and urges interoperability and a coordinating framework called a virtual European Space Command.