Wire · technology
Europe confirms orders for IRIS2
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Fusion42 · 14 September 2026 · Fusion42 review
The European Commission and European Space Agency have confirmed a €15.6 billion contract for the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite constellation, awarding Belgium-based Aerospacelab a €2.4 billion build contract for 264 satellites, while Airbus and Thales Alenia Space will handle other portions including 66 military Ka-band satellites. SES has also ordered 18 MEO satellites from German OHB SE for €1 billion, forming part of the broader IRIS2 scheme.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Telecom & Connectivity, and 3 sources have reported it between 10 Sep 2026 and 14 Sep 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You should see Aerospacelab's big IRIS2 contract as a new entry point to European satellite telecom. Airbus’s hold loosens and the space supply chain opens wide for fresh competition starting now.
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3 sources · first reported 10 Sep 2026 · latest 14 Sep 2026
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