Wire · technology
Europe expands IRIS2 satellite network to 348, competes with Starlink
◆ Sectors
◆ Geography
◆ Source
◆ Verified
Fusion42 · 28 August 2026 · Fusion42 review
The European Commission has agreed to expand the IRIS2 satellite broadband network by 66 satellites, raising the total to 348, to enhance secure connectivity for European governments, defence, security forces, and emergency services. This expansion aims to increase secure governmental communication capacity significantly and supports Europe's strategic autonomy against competitors like Starlink.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Telecom & Connectivity, and 15 sources have reported it between 7 Aug 2026 and 8 Aug 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
Europe has increased the scale of a secured satellite network that challenges the dominance of Starlink in government and defence use. You must evaluate how this new player could alter customer demands and partnerships in satellite-based connectivity.
◆ Coverage
15 sources · first reported 7 Aug 2026 · latest 8 Aug 2026
◆ Topics