Poland joins EU satellite project developing European alternative to Starlink

Poland has officially joined the European Union’s IRIS² satellite project, marking a significant step toward building a secure, sovereign alternative to global satellite internet services like Starlink. The decision comes after the Polish government allocated €656 million from its share of the EU’s post-pandemic recovery funds to participate in the initiative. This investment underscores Poland’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening its position within the European space sector, and ensuring resilient communication capabilities for government, military, and emergency services. The IRIS² programme, launched in 2022, aims to establish a constellation of approximately 300 satellites operating in both low and medium Earth orbits. These satellites will provide encrypted, interference-resistant communications tailored for use by EU member states' defense agencies, emergency responders, and select commercial entities. The project represents a broader effort by the EU to reduce reliance on non-European satellite providers, particularly in light of heightened concerns over cybersecurity, hybrid warfare, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At a signing ceremony held in Warsaw, EU Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius hailed Poland’s participation as a milestone for the union. He emphasized that the investment in space technology was an investment in security, economic growth, and long-term stability. “By joining this major project, Poland is demonstrating its leadership in the European space industry and reinforcing its role in EU security initiatives,” Kubilius stated. Poland’s Interior Minister, Marcin Kierwiński, echoed these sentiments, noting that the IRIS² system would bolster the nation’s strategic independence. “This project ensures our security and demonstrates that Poland is determined to lead in the European space industry,” he said. Kierwiński also highlighted that no single country could develop such a complex satellite constellation independently, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts among EU nations. Under the agreement, Poland will contribute six large satellites designed for medium Earth orbit and six smaller ones intended for low Earth orbit. Additionally, the country will construct a ground gateway station in Warsaw to link the satellite network with GovNet, Poland’s secure government fiber-optic communication system. This integration will allow for seamless data exchange between the satellite constellation and existing terrestrial infrastructure, further enhancing the reliability and reach of the new system. The financial backing for Poland’s involvement came from its allocation of EU recovery funds, which were initially earmarked for post-pandemic rebuilding efforts. Earlier this year, the Polish government approved using these funds to support its contribution to IRIS², reflecting a shift in priorities towards strategic investments in technology and security. The IRIS² project, with an estimated total cost of €10.6 billion, is projected to begin operations in 2030. Public funding accounts for €6.5 billion, while private investors are expected to contribute around €4 billion. The initiative aligns with the EU’s broader vision of creating a self-sufficient satellite communication network, akin to the Galileo positioning system, which offers Europe an independent alternative to GPS. Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat, one of the key partners in the project, stated that having a sovereign satellite capability is crucial for Europe’s security and technological autonomy. She noted that systems like Starlink, despite their utility, cannot replace the need for a fully integrated, continent-wide solution. “Europe must ensure that its digital infrastructure is under its control,” she remarked.