EU builds IRIS² satellite network to counter Starlink reliance; Germany's OHB wins key contract

The European Union is building IRIS², a 348-satellite network to reduce military and governmental dependence on SpaceX's Starlink, following reports of service restrictions in Ukraine. The project aims to provide secure, sovereign satellite communications for Europe. Germany plays a key role through Bremen-based OHB, which signed a €1 billion contract to build 18 medium-Earth-orbit satellites. The network will also include 330 low-Earth-orbit satellites, with Belgian firm Aerospacelab building 264 and Airbus constructing 66 for military use. First launches are scheduled for 2029, though experts cite limited Ariane 6 rocket availability as a potential bottleneck. Separately, Germany's Bundeswehr is pursuing its own national satellite constellation, SATCOMBw 4, with OHB and Rheinmetall bidding for the contract.